EFF statement on continuing pathological lies by Nathi Nhleko in defence of Nkandla corruption
6 July 2015
The Economic Freedom Fighters notes desperate utterances by the Minister of Police, Nathi Nhleko, before the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF). Nhleko in defending multimillion Rand corruption in Nkandla claimed that a so-called “firepool” was also constructed at private residence of the former President Nelson Mandela in Qunu. The Mandela granddaughters have dismissed Nhleko’s utterances as pure lies.
The Minister has lied about cattle kraals and chicken runs being “security features”. He has lied about the total cost of security features in Nkandla being less than they actually are. He has lied about the Public Protector not finding that government built any houses for President Zuma and his family. He has lied about not knowing why and who approved the construction of the village consisting of 21 three-bedroomed houses at the Nkandla compound at an over-inflated cost of R6.5 million each. The Minister has committed his office and the police ministry to pathological lies and the defence of corruption instead of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that crooks like President Zuma are brought to book.
The EFF further notes absurd utterances by Nhleko that his recent report and low-quality bioscope, where he exonerated President Zuma from any financial liability for non-security features in Nkandla, was not in compliance or intended to comply with the remedial action of the Public Protector. The Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, in her report “Secure in Comfort” requested the Minister of Police to ensure that no further security measures are installed in Nkandla. Nhleko has arrogantly reported that “more money” still needs to be spent in Nkandla on imaginary security features. The EFF condemns this brazen abuse of public funds for the indulgence of one man on whom we are already wasting spending obscene amount of money.
The EFF further notes that resolution of the Alliance Summit where the ANC, Cosatu, the SACP and SANCO have resolved that Jacob Zuma will not pay back any money for upgrades he unduly and unlawfully benefited from. The remarks by Gwede Mantashe that the Nkandla issue will disappear with the end of Zuma’s term of office are delusional.
The EFF wishes to reiterate that Zuma will PAY BACK THE MONEY! The EFF will not rest until every cent that Zuma has unduly and unlawfully benefited from is paid back. The EFF will not rest until Zuma is charged and prosecuted for unlawfully benefiting from upgrades at his Nkandla compound.
Wherever Zuma appears in the presence of the EFF, be it in public places or in Parliament, he shall be asked to PAY BACK THE MONEY. This commitment to holding Zuma and his executive accountable is consistent with the EFF commitment to combating corruption.
The Public Protector has requested National Treasury to assist President Zuma in determining a reasonable amount he must pay back. The EFF urges Minister Nhlanhla Nene to immediately comply with the remedial action of the Public Protector and assist Zuma in paying back the money including National Treasury in meeting its target of R1.1 trillion of revenue.
Statement issued by the Economic Freedom Fighters, July 6 2015
