Democratic Alliance (DA) is set to lay criminal charges on Monday against former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi and a businessman Ze Nxumalo, after reports linked them to alleged tender irregularities in Ekurhuleni.
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Democratic Alliance (DA) is set to lay criminal charges on Monday against former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi and a businessman Ze Nxumalo, after reports linked them to alleged tender irregularities in Ekurhuleni.
The charges follow reports linking a R3.5-million private jet trip to London undertaken by Mashazi in 2022 to companies that benefited from municipal tenders awarded by the City of Ekurhuleni.
The DA confirmed that its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, will open a criminal case at the Germiston Police Station, arguing that the allegations warrant a full law-enforcement investigation.
The move comes months after Mashazi testified before the Madlanga Commission, where she responded to the allegations against her.
She was accused by senior officials of corruption, abuse of power and deep-rooted misconduct within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
One of the accusations was that she protected the suspended EMPD acting chief, commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, from disciplinary action.
However, the commission's findings widened the spotlight beyond her allegations.
It referred Mashazi and several current and former metro and EMPD officials for criminal investigation after uncovering evidence requiring further scrutiny.
Central to the referral was the controversial luxury private jet trip allegedly financed by a businessman with interests linked to municipal contracts.
Investigators are expected to examine whether any tender processes were improperly influenced and whether public office was used for private benefit.
Neither Mashazi nor the businessman has been convicted of any wrongdoing, and both remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics