The DA in Gauteng has called for a forensic investigation into the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF).
This after allegations emerged that Deputy President Paul Mashatile resides in a R37-million house registered under Nonkwelo Investments, a company that belongs to his son Thabiso and son-in-law Nceba Nonkwelo.
According to media reports, Mashatile’s son benefitted from a housing loan from the GPF at the time when the deputy president was the MEC for human settlements in Gauteng.
It was reported that Nonkwelo Investments allegedly received at least four loans from the GPF between 2013 and 2017.
In a statement on Thursday, the opposition party expressed concern, stating that the matter ought to be investigated considering that the functions of the GPF were already under scrutiny earlier in the year.
The party denounced Mashatile’s alleged involvement, especially in his capacity as a state official.
“A forensic investigation must be conducted as a matter of urgency. The forensic investigation should look into all operations of the GPF from 2013 to 2023,” DA representative Mervyn Cirota said.
“It is unacceptable that friends and family members of high-ranking government officials unduly benefit from loans meant to uplift the residents who are unable to access dignified housing without some assistance from the government.”
Cirota suggested that if the investigation finds Mashatile guilty of unlawfully benefitting from the GPF loans, the money must be recovered, and that he must be subjected to disciplinary action.
“If it is found during this forensic investigation that anyone has unlawfully benefitted from any GPF loans, then this money must be fully recovered.
“Disciplinary action should also be taken against all the officials involved in awarding this loan, and a criminal investigation should be instituted.”
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