Protector to probe Motlanthe’s partner

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and partner Gugu Mtshali. Photo: GCIS

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and partner Gugu Mtshali. Photo: GCIS

Published Mar 20, 2012

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The public protector will conduct a preliminary probe into allegations of bribe solicitation which may involve Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe's partner, the protector's office said on Tuesday.

“Following a request by the deputy president, the public protector has decided to conduct a preliminary investigation into the above allegations with a view to establishing whether anyone in the presidency or the department of trade and industry might have participated in unlawful conduct involving the use of state resources or power,” it said.

The Sunday Times recently reported that Motlanthe's partner Gugu Mtshali has allegedly been linked to a scheme to “buy” government approval for a plan to sell helicopters to Iran.

The protector would be able to determine whether “there are merits in the allegations that state resources and authority were employed to improperly enrich or advantage anyone for unlawful purposes”.

The outcome of the preliminary investigation was expected by April 15. – Sapa

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