DA leader Mmusi Miamane says public protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane confirmed to him she had referred the state of capture report to the national prosecuting authority and the directorate of priority crime investigation.

She said this was done in line with the remedial action required by the report compiled by her predecessor Advocate Thuli Madonsela.

Madonsela in her remedial action noted that the public protector act called for both the NPA and Hawks to be roped in on matters where it appeared that crimes had been committed.

The report looked into complaints of alleged improper and unethical conduct by the president relating to an improper relationship with the Gupta family, which has been described as close friends of the president. There were also allegations of the family being involved in key decisions, including the removal and appointment of ministers and directors in state owned enterprises.

Madonsela recommended that a commission of inquiry into state capture be established by the president but that chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng must appoint the judge to chair the inquiry. She also said the inquiry should be completed within 6 months.

Maimane also met with the Hawks on Sunday.

Matter serious

“I have today met with the Hawks who will be overseeing the investigation relating to the charges (CAS 70/11/2016) I laid against President Zuma and others in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act,” said Maimane in a statement.

He said he was given assurance that they regard the matter as serious and that it would receive the necessary attention it deserves.

Maimane said the specialised policing unit committed to giving him regular updates on the progress of the investigation.

He in turn committed to continuing with his political party’s battle against those responsible for state capture.

He also hailed news of Mkhwebane referring the matter to the two crime fighting institutions and his meeting with the Hawks.

“In the fight against President Jacob Zuma and the ANC’s corruption, this is a step in the right direction.

[Source: News24]