Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – The ongoing corruption trial involving former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Maphisa-Ngcakula has prompted renewed comparisons with allegations previously made against Free State Premier Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, although the two matters remain at different legal stages.
In the Maphisa-Ngcakula case, the State alleges that a defence contractor provided cash and other benefits in exchange for favourable treatment. She has pleaded not guilty and is contesting the charges before the court.
Separately, allegations have been made by Patrick “The Butcher” Phuti of New Begginings Project that Premier Mathae received financial support from Tau Pele Construction, including claims that approximately R2 million was used to transport delegates to the ANC Women’s League conference at which she was elected.
Premier Mathae has denied wrongdoing and has previously indicated that she intends to pursue legal action over the allegations.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Free State previously confirmed that a decision on whether to prosecute in relation to the allegations involving Premier Mathae was under consideration. However, no public announcement has since been made regarding the outcome of that process.
The matter has led to criticism from some quarters, with commentators questioning the pace of the investigation and calling for greater transparency from the prosecuting authority.
Others have urged that the NPA be allowed to complete its processes independently and without political interference.
It has also been reported that officials from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) met with Premier Mathae on 11 October 2024, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opened a criminal case on the same day. The purpose and implications of those developments remain matters of public interest.
As matters stand, the allegations against Premier Mathae have not resulted in criminal charges, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If there is any case that proves that the NPA is compromised, it’s this one, maybe it’s time Justice Madlanga got involved.
Meanwhile, the NPA has decline to prosecute in the Human Settlements corruption case in while legitimate beneficiaries were replaced by ANC leaders and their families.
According to NPA, there is no sufficient evidence.
It took NPA no less than two representations to drop charges against Advocate Humphrey Malakoane whose contract is ending in March 2027 in Winnie Mandela Museum corruption case.
Its either there was no case at all or there was….but three representations???
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