ANC MPs accused of demanding R600k to make Mkhwebane inquiry ‘go away’

The police are investigating a case of extortion involving three ANC MPs following allegations that their representative approached the husband of suspended Public Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane and demanded a R600k bribe. Mandla Skosana, Mkhwebane’s husband, filed a case of extortion against ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina, Richard Dyantyi (chair of the parliamentary inquiry against the suspended public protector), and Tina Joemat-Pettersson (chair of the portfolio committee on police services) last week. According to DFA, the police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, confirmed that the case was opened at the OR Tambo police station and transferred to provincial detectives for investigation.

According to Skosana’s statement to the police, which the Sunday Independent obtained, Joemat-Pettersson unexpectedly contacted him on Human Rights Day and arranged a meeting at a specific restaurant in Kempton Park, citing its lack of surveillance cameras. During this meeting, Joemat-Pettersson allegedly requested a bribe. Skosana claimed he was approached to provide R200,000 each for Joemat-Pettersson, Dyantyi, and Majodina to influence or eliminate the impeachment proceedings against Mkhwebane.

Skosana emphasised that he had no prior relationship with the accused MPs except for encounters within Parliament. He stated that Joemat-Pettersson informed him she was requesting on behalf of Dyantyi and Majodina, highlighting her close relationship with both individuals. Skosana expressed shock at being asked to pay what seemed to him, as a layperson, to be a bribe to secure a fair hearing for the public protector. He urged the police to thoroughly investigate the bribery request and hold those responsible accountable, as their actions tarnish and compromise a process that has caused immense suffering for his family.

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Skosana further revealed that Joemat-Pettersson informed him that Dyantyi was appointed as the chairperson of the inquiry against Mkhwebane because he was “used” and that Majodina and Dyantyi were disgruntled about not being appointed as ministers during the recent Cabinet reshuffle. In a subsequent meeting at the same restaurant, Joemat-Pettersson allegedly disclosed that Ramaphosa wanted the parliamentary inquiry to conclude swiftly.

During discussions regarding the bribe, Skosana noticed a change in Dyantyi’s behaviour, describing him as unusually pleasant and accommodating towards Mkhwebane and her legal team. However, when Skosana failed to deliver the bribe, he observed a sudden reversal in Dyantyi’s attitude towards the public protector and her legal team. Furthermore, Skosana mentioned that Joemat-Pettersson later claimed to have fabricated the entire incident when he threatened to hold a press conference to expose the matter.

Upon learning of the alleged corruption and criminal activity involving the MPs, Skosana disclosed the information to Mkhwebane, who was visibly shocked and distressed. He provided a comprehensive account to Mkhwebane and her legal team on May 9. In addition, he indicated his possession of WhatsApp exchanges with Joemat-Pettersson, which he intended to submit as evidence to the SAPS.

Joemat-Pettersson initially denied any knowledge of the allegations, dismissing them as baseless. However, after being informed of the opened case and WhatsApp messages between her and Skosana, her response changed. She expressed concerns about the allegations affecting her character and suggested the need for legal representation.

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Majodina, when approached for comment, professed ignorance regarding Joemat-Pettersson’s alleged approach to Skosana for a bribe. Mkhwebane wrote a letter to the House Speaker, Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula, urging an urgent meeting to address the allegations of corruption within the Section 194 committee. In her letter, she informed the Speaker about sensitive information regarding serious corruption allegations involving senior members of the National Assembly that had recently come to her attention. However, Maphisa-Nqakula advised Mkhwebane to report the implicated members to the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members Interests, stating that the process for investigation was clearly outlined in the code and on Parliament’s website.

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa expressed concern over the Speaker’s response, suggesting she was not taking the matter seriously. Holomisa called for a parliamentary inquiry into the extortion allegations, emphasising the need for swift action by the presiding officers and the Speaker. He underscored the gravity of the accusations, highlighting the deep-rooted corruption within the country and the urgent need to address it.

Vuyo Zungula, the leader of the ATM party, echoed Holomisa’s sentiments and demanded that the Section 194 committee be halted. At the same time, the Parliament Ethics Committee investigated the matter. Zungula stressed that proceeding with the inquiry while its chairperson faced serious allegations would compromise the integrity and fairness of the entire process.

As of now, Richard Dyantyi has not responded to the questions sent to him regarding the allegations.

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Picture: Twitter / LwaziSomya

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