Johannesburg - DA leader Mmusi Maimane has written to Hawks boss Mthandazo Ntlemeza to find out why the elite unit is not investigating Nkandla architect Minenhle Makhanya.
This follows a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe that found Makhanya, President Jacob Zuma’s personal architect, had designed and authorised the construction of features unrelated to the security items listed by the SAPS and SANDF for Nkandla, and certified the overpayment of contractors and consultants.
This had the effect of enriching the contractors and consultants, along with the Zuma family, the SIU report on Nkandla said.
The SIU has instituted a R155-million civil claim against Makhanya. However, Police Minister Nathi Nhleko has said in a written reply to a parliamentary question from the DA that there is no investigation against him.
The National Prosecuting Authority has declined to prosecute three former directors-general of the Department of Public Works for their role in the appointment of consultants and contractors for the project, which ultimately cost the state R246m.
Implicated officials face disciplinary hearings, but these have been stalled pending an application by media houses for them to be held in public.
Maimane said there was prima facie evidence to suggest Makhanya had committed an offence and ensured people were unduly enriched at the expense of the public.
“In the light of Mr Makhanya’s central involvement in the matter, it is unconscionable that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has taken the decision not to investigate what would appear to be prima facie offences of a serious nature,” Maimane said.
“Major-General Ntlemeza must outline the compelling reasons and rationale for why this investigation was not carried out; The people of South Africa need to know where the R155m went.”
Saturday Star