Julius Malema redirects queries about VBS allegations to archives

by Staff Bona

EFF leader Julius Malema maintains his denial of benefiting from looted VBS Mutual Bank funds, which caused the bank’s collapse and left pensioners destitute.

Former VBS chairperson Tshifhiwa Matodzi, recently sentenced to 15 years for multiple crimes, claimed in his affidavit last week that he made substantial donations to the EFF to gain positive publicity and silence criticism.

Tshifhiwa said Julius and Floyd both knew that the funds received from VBS were unlawful because they created Sgameka as a front. He also said there was no legitimate business reason for the payment, with Julius and Floyd saying they needed the money for their restaurant in Soweto.

“To my knowledge, Sgameka is a company owned by Brian Shivambu, a brother to Floyd Shivambu who is the deputy president of EFF. The company was provided to me by Floyd to make payments that I promised to EFF,” he said.

Julius, in a video shared by the EFF on Sunday, dismissed these allegations as attempts to destroy the party. The video was from four years ago.

“There’s nothing anyone can say that will shake us. There’s nothing the EFF has done illegally. Anyone who wants the VBS money, you are barking at the wrong door,” Julius said.

He added: “It is VBS every day because that’s the only thing they have, the only weapon they have to divide and destroy the EFF. There’s nothing more. Check the facts. Don’t be a fanatic.”

Watch the full video below:

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said that the government aims to imprison those accountable for the collapse of the VBS.

Speaking on Saturday ahead of a two-day cabinet lekgotla meeting in Pretoria, Khumbudzo assured that law enforcement is actively pursuing accountability for all parties implicated, noting the severe impact on victims, particularly in Vhembe, who lost their pension and savings funds.

“The lekgotla did not speak about the VBS case, but you know the stance of the government that’s why the government instituted support mechanisms for the victims of VBS,” Khumbudzo said.

She added: “Remember Mr Matodzi is not the first one to do a confession; there was Philip Truter who did his confession.

“We hope this affidavit will allow law enforcement agencies to move with speed to bring to book everybody who has swindled the money of our people because now you know the scale of the looting… and disregard of laws.”

ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance have demanded further investigations into Julius and Floyd’s alleged involvement, criticising the slow pace of law enforcement efforts.

Tshifhiwa was arrested in June 2020 along with other VBS officials, and the Hawks have arrested 33 out of 76 suspects implicated in the scandal, with investigations ongoing.

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Published first on African Insider

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