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ActionSA denounces Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's planned attendance at the BRICS Ministers of Justice meeting in Russia scheduled for this Wednesday to Friday.

In light of the cloud of serious allegations of corruption that directly affect her role as the Head of the Department of Justice, along with concerns about a potential conflict of interest regarding her influence over the NPA, we strongly believe she should not be travelling in any official capacity until her name is cleared.

ActionSA is currently engaging with the Office of the Public Protector regarding our request for an urgent independent investigation into the so-called "loan" solicited from VBS Investment Broker, Gundo Wealth Solutions, during her tenure as Mayor of Polokwane, when the municipality unlawfully invested R356 million into the now-collapsed VBS bank.

Given the multitude of unanswered questions surrounding the potentially corrupt transactions, the serious implications if she is found guilty, and the potential impact on her continued leadership of South Africa's justice system, ActionSA is committed to ensuring this matter is thoroughly investigated. As such, we believe the Minister should be suspended pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations.

ActionSA will continue to pursue all avenues to ensure the Minister is held accountable and the integrity of the justice system is safeguarded.

Issued by ActionSA Parliamentary Leader Athol Trollip