Gauteng’s Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, finds himself in the spotlight after being linked to a fraud case involving ANC senior member Pule Mabe. However, the MEC has strongly denied any involvement, stating that he has not benefited from the alleged R27 million tender scandal.
NPA Alleges Chiloane Received R185,000
According to reports from the Mail & Guardian, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) claims that Chiloane allegedly received R185,000, believed to be part of the R27 million that was fraudulently obtained through a tender linked to Mabe’s company. The case centers around the supply of three-wheeled vehicles to various municipalities, including Ekurhuleni.
Chiloane is alleged to have financially benefitted during his time as the City of Ekurhuleni’s infrastructure and transformation cluster coordinator. During this period, Ekurhuleni was among the municipalities that purchased the vehicles from Mabe’s company, ordering 70 of the 200 vehicles. The funds are said to have been transferred to Chiloane through 10 separate payments.
MEC Chiloane Denies Any Wrongdoing
Chiloane, however, has firmly denied these accusations and insists that he has not received any money from Mabe or benefitted from the tender deal. “My advice; ask the political leaders of the time. They can give you answers. As for me, I don’t know anything,” the MEC said in response to the allegations.
The Education MEC also made it clear that he is not being investigated and that no one has contacted him regarding the case. “No one called me, and I am certain I am not being investigated. Secondly, I have never received any money ever from Mr Mabe in my entire life,” Chiloane added.
Linked to Pule Mabe’s Case
This fraud case has already seen Pule Mabe and six other individuals charged in connection to the matter. Chiloane was reportedly expected to appear in court alongside the other accused, though he maintains that he is not involved and is not under investigation.
The controversy stems from Mabe’s company winning a tender to deliver three-wheeled vehicles to municipalities, with Ekurhuleni being one of the key beneficiaries. The NPA’s allegations suggest that the funds were misappropriated, but the full extent of Chiloane’s involvement, if any, remains unclear.
Ongoing Investigation
At this stage, it is uncertain what the outcome of the investigation will be, and whether Chiloane will be officially implicated in the case. However, his public denial has been firm, and he has called for those in leadership at the time to provide clarity on the matter.
This latest scandal adds to the list of high-profile political figures linked to corruption and fraud cases in South Africa, sparking further scrutiny of government tenders and procurement processes.
Conclusion
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, to see how the case develops. With the NPA reportedly linking him to the fraudulent payments, the case highlights yet another instance of alleged tender-related corruption in South Africa’s political landscape. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Chiloane remains adamant that he has no ties to the scandal and is not under investigation.
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