The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa has revealed that its investigation into a R2.5 million corruption case involving Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is ongoing. The allegations date back to 2009, when Ntshavheni was the municipal manager of the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. The municipality awarded a contract to Makwande Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors to prepare its 2008 and 2009 financial statements.
The initial contract value was R584,000, but it was later increased to R2.5 million following an alleged oral agreement with Ntshavheni that expanded the scope of work. In 2020, the Polokwane High Court described the deal as "repugnant and devastating" and 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. The NPA has yet to decide whether to prosecute Ntshavheni or any other individuals implicated in the investigation. According to NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, the investigation is complex and requires in-depth analysis.
Kganyago stated that a final decision on prosecution had not yet been taken and that the NPA would make a decision within a reasonable time once all the investigative work had been completed. The Hawks first referred the docket to the NPA in 2024, and since then, the NPA has been consulting and analyzing the evidential material.
The DA has been pressing for answers on the status of the investigation, with MP Kohler Barnard asking Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi for an update on the investigation. Kubayi revealed that 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.
Kubayi also stated that the NPA had adopted a prosecutor-guided investigation approach and had held several meetings with the investigation team to follow up on outstanding information and evidence. 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.
The NPA's investigation is ongoing, with more people potentially set to be added to the matter. The authority has urged for patience, stating that it will make a decision on prosecution once all the investigative work has been completed. The outcome of the investigation remains to be seen, but it is clear that the NPA is taking a thorough approach to the case.
Key points
- The National Prosecuting Authority is still investigating corruption allegations against Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
- The allegations involve a R2.5 million tender awarded to a consulting firm during Ntshavheni's tenure as municipal manager of the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality.
- The NPA has yet to decide whether to prosecute Ntshavheni or any other individuals implicated in the investigation.
