'Further investigations': Years later, NPA still probing R2.5m corruption allegations involving Ntshavheni - IOL

The National Prosecuting Authority has yet to decide whether to prosecute Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni in connection with a controversial R2.5 million tender, saying further investigations are underway and more people could be implicated.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has revealed that an investigation into a R2.5 million corruption case involving Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is not over, with more people potentially set to be added to the matter.

News24 earlier this week reported the NPA was still considering whether or not to prosecute.

“There are still further investigations going on with the view of adding more people to the matter,” NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.

The allegations relate to a R2.5 million tender awarded to a consulting firm during Ntshavheni’s tenure as municipal manager of the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality.

In July 2009, the municipality reportedly awarded a contract to Makwande Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors to prepare its 2008 and 2009 financial statements.

The contract was initially worth R584,000 but later increased to R2.5 million following an alleged oral agreement with Ntshavheni that expanded the scope of work.

In a 2020 ruling, Polokwane High Court Judge Gerrit Muller described the deal as "repugnant and devastating".

The court referred the matter to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, and the NPA for further investigation.

Ntshavheni, who is an ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member, has faced scrutiny over the corruption allegations, with several political parties calling for her removal.

IOL asked the NPA about the current status of the matter and whether it had reached a decision on whether to prosecute Ntshavheni or any other individuals implicated in the investigation.

Kganyago said a final decision had not yet been taken.

“This is a complex commercial crime matter which requires in-depth investigation.”

“We won’t be able to divulge any investigation at this stage,” he said in response to questions about whether outstanding evidence or investigative work was required after the Hawks initially referred the docket to the NPA, and when that information was ultimately provided.

Kganyago said a final decision would be made once all the investigative work had been completed.

“The decision will be made within a reasonable time, given that the evidence has been gathered.”

Meanwhile, DA MP Kohler Barnard asked Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on what exact date the NPA received the docket from the DPCI for a prosecution decision, and by what date the NPA intended to announce its decision on whether to prosecute those found to have acted outside the law, including Ntshavheni.

She also asked whether the NPA had requested any further investigations, additional evidence or outstanding statements from the Hawks since receiving the docket.

If so, she sought details of the requests, including what action had been taken in relation to further investigations, additional evidence and outstanding statements.

In response, Kubayi said the NPA had informed her that the matter was reported to the police on April 13, 2021, and that the Hawks made the first referral to the NPA on May 22, 2024.

“Upon receipt of the docket from the DPCI, the NPA adopted a prosecutor-guided investigation approach and held several meetings with the investigation team to follow up on outstanding information and evidence.”

She said prosecutors were currently consulting and analysing the evidential material.

“Once the consultations have been concluded, the prosecutor will make a decision on the charges and if the evidence sustains possible charges, those will be put to the suspects.”