Bulwane’s Political Future Hangs in a Haze, with Mounting Pressure for Possible Prosecution

 
The charges laid against William Bulwane, the MEC for Police, Roads, and Transport in Free State could have dire consequences for both his current position and ambitions in the provincial leadership.
 
This is as Malefane Msimanga, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ Provincial Secretary and Member of Parliament opened a criminal case against both: the MEC, Bulwane, and Robinson Thekiso, acting HoD of Police, Roads, and Transport.
 
The case relates to the alleged advance payments of R104 million for roads in Dewetsdorp, and Koppel, Deneysville while R41 million for Tweeling, Reitz, and Frankfort.
 
Speaking exclusively to Step UP SA News Msimanga said his wish is for the police busy with investigations on this case could rush the matter.
 
 
“The longer this case takes the more these people can cover and hide evidence.”
 
With regards to his visits, he said.
 
“MEC on Wednesday promised that we will go on a site visit to all those roads and canceled at the last minute.
 
I went personally on those sites and there is nothing in the form of work being done. And it confirms one thing, advance payments have been made. Contractors have been appointed while there is a court order that other contractors must not be appointed till the matter has been settled.
 
We want to know how did the PRT conclude to do advance payments.”
 
On the 7th April 2022, KET Civils took the department to court for contempt of court following awarding of tenders while a court order handed on the 17 December 2021 barred PRT to award any tenders till the matter between KET Civils and PRT is finalized.
 
KET Civils asked the court to incarcerate Thekiso as the accounting officer.
 
With the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee amending its step aside rule over the past weekend barring those criminally charged to even contest the next move by DPCI will be watched with bated breath by the faction opposed to Bulwane.
 
In March we reported Bulwane in Thabo Manyoni’s slate as he is punted to the next Provincial Treasurer in the upcoming provincial conference and his arrest will be a big blow as he is very influential among RET faction.
 
In Gauteng, the ANC Provincial Secretary Khawe who is embroiled in a domestic matter and not charged has asked leave to deal with the personal matter.
 
Will Bulwane take time to deal with this matter or will he wait for the ANC to ask him to step aside once he is arrested?
 
Addressing the media last week Bulwane said the EFF is seeking relevance and he will not even sue.
 
Oupa Khoabane, Interim Provincial Committee said Bulwane has not been charged.
 
“Comrade William Bulwane has not been charged, only a case has been opened.
 
At the moment the IPC can not entertain the matter until there is development which warrants consideration.”
 
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