Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and her husband, Lawrence Mathae, face corruption allegations from businessman Patrick Phuti, who claims he provided luxury vehicles and cash to secure government contracts. The Hawks completed their investigation months ago and submitted the case to prosecutors, but the National Prosecuting Authority returned the file, citing unresolved investigative gaps.
Phuti alleges he purchased a Mercedes-Benz V300d and a BMW 7 Series for the couple and spent more than R400,000 on project expenses to obtain a road construction tender. He says another company paid R2 million to support Letsoha-Mathae's political campaign. His R45 million contract was terminated after 3 kilometers of work when oversight officials identified irregularities.
The premier denies all accusations and hired advocate Zola Majavu for her defense. The Economic Freedom Fighters filed a corruption case and plan a no-confidence motion against Letsoha-Mathae. The NPA maintains it prosecutes cases without bias once investigations meet evidentiary standards for court proceedings.
Phuti alleges he purchased a Mercedes-Benz V300d and a BMW 7 Series for the couple and spent more than R400,000 on project expenses to obtain a road construction tender. He says another company paid R2 million to support Letsoha-Mathae's political campaign. His R45 million contract was terminated after 3 kilometers of work when oversight officials identified irregularities.
The premier denies all accusations and hired advocate Zola Majavu for her defense. The Economic Freedom Fighters filed a corruption case and plan a no-confidence motion against Letsoha-Mathae. The NPA maintains it prosecutes cases without bias once investigations meet evidentiary standards for court proceedings.
