Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Roy Jankielsohn MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance welcomes the decision of the Free State High Court to grant a final forfeiture order for six luxury properties and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle with a total value of R32 million. These assets were ruled by the court to be proceeds of unlawful activities such as fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to the R255 million asbestos scandal that the DA in the Free State Legislature played an important role in exposing.
Funds from the Free State Department of Human Settlements meant to replace asbestos roofs of houses in the province were diverted into trusts that were used to purchase these properties and vehicle.
The DA regards this court victory by the National Prosecuting Authority as a win for residents of the Free State. This will also assist in the case to put those responsible for the theft of public funds behind bars.