South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters accused law enforcement of intentionally slowing an investigation into Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and her spouse, Lawrence Mathae, regarding bribery allegations and contract misconduct. The case began more than 12 months ago when contractor Patrick Phuti stated he gave the pair expensive cars worth over 2 million rand plus cash connected to a highway construction project. Authorities from the Hawks investigative unit and National Prosecuting Authority blame each other for the stalled case, with prosecutors saying key elements need completion while investigators claim they submitted necessary evidence.
Provincial EFF secretary Malebane Msimanga said his party offered to pay for independent investigators four months earlier but officials rejected the help. Opposition groups and advocacy organizations condemned what they called institutional failure and demanded prosecutors explain their inaction. The Democratic Alliance and ActionSA filed separate complaints while youth members of the governing African National Congress asked Letsoha-Mathae to resign.
Civil rights organizations called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to begin disciplinary proceedings and pressed police to make arrests where probable cause exists. They expressed solidarity with whistleblowers who expose misconduct despite personal risks.
Provincial EFF secretary Malebane Msimanga said his party offered to pay for independent investigators four months earlier but officials rejected the help. Opposition groups and advocacy organizations condemned what they called institutional failure and demanded prosecutors explain their inaction. The Democratic Alliance and ActionSA filed separate complaints while youth members of the governing African National Congress asked Letsoha-Mathae to resign.
Civil rights organizations called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to begin disciplinary proceedings and pressed police to make arrests where probable cause exists. They expressed solidarity with whistleblowers who expose misconduct despite personal risks.
