Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande has opened a case against Thuja Capital CEO Mthunzi Mdwaba for failing to report a crime.
Nzimande laid a criminal charge at the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon.
Mdwaba accused Nzimande of attempting to solicit a R500-million bribe from him on a R5-billion tender he was awarded by the Department of Labour.
Nzimande, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi are accused by Mdwaba of being behind an attempt to solicit a 10% share from an Unemployment Insurance Fund jobs scheme tender awarded to Mdwaba.
“In terms the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Practices Act No 12 of 2004, if you are aware of a corrupt activity that is being committed, you are duty-bound to report it,” said Nzimande.
“If you don’t report, it is a criminal offence,” he said.
Mdwaba claimed that he was approached by people representing the ministers and Mbalula.
Nzimande said he wrote to Mdwaba on November 13 requesting that he provide proof for the allegations that he made about him.
Mdwaba misses the deadline
He said by November 21, the deadline for Mdwaba to respond, he had not done so. Nzimande then promised to take further action.
“As far as I’m aware from my lawyers, he [Mdwaba] had not responded and now I’m going to take the next action. I wish there was something quicker than suing,” he said.
He vowed: “I will not rest until this matter is concluded.
“Mdwaba must prove his allegations with whatever means he thinks he has. I have stolen no money. I have asked no one to go and look for money for me.”
On his X account on Tuesday morning, Mdwaba wrote that he received a letter from Nzimande on November 27 in which the minister is demanding that he apologise for the accusations he made against him.
“Dear South Africans, I can confirm now that a letter of demand to apologise from Minister Blade Nzimande has been received [27th November],” wrote Mdwaba.
“We have till the 6th of December to respond, but it will be the same response as others.”
Mdwaba replied to other letters of demands that he stands by his allegations and welcomes any legal action against him.
Nzimande has vowed that he will not rest until the matter is settled.
“If you make an accusation, prove it. He must prove it. I will not rest until this matter is concluded,” said Nzimande.
