Jonas under fire as Hawks probe him for alleged corrupt SAA aircraft deal
City Press reports deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas is under investigation for facilitating a deal between an aircraft company and SAA's technical division.
Former deputy Minister of Finance Mcebisi Jonas during a board meeting with South African Airways (SAA) on September 09, 2016 in Pretoria, South Africa. During the meeting, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced the approval of R5 billion bailout application for the airline. Picture: Gallo Images
Jonas – who emerged a hero after the former public protector’s damning state capture report revealed he had turned down R600,000 in cash from the influential Gupta family, has now been implicated in a dodgy corruption deal with SAA.
According to City Press, Jonas introduced a US aircraft company to a board member of SAA Technical (Saat) which is tasked with procuring aviation parts for the state airline. Jonas is alleged to have used his influence as the second most powerful official at treasury to ensure the company received a deal to supply tyres and aircraft components.
A complaint was laid against Jonas and others by an unnamed Saat official who has already been interviewed by the Hawks. The complain details how the US company failed tender requirements on three occasions and was still given the tender to provide the equipment.
“Another person interest in the investigation is SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni, who has already been contacted for her statement. The investigators will be obtaining her statement soon, a source from the Hawks said.”
The timing of the investigation is pertinent as Jonas is said to be a target of a cabinet reshuffle. Former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe was appointed an MP about two weeks ago and is understood to have been placed in government to make his apparent transition to the finance ministry or parliamentary committee easier.
Jonas has not commented while treasury spokesperson Yolisa Tyantsi declined to issue a statement. Hawks spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi said a source had ‘blown the lid of corruption activities at SAA.
“We intend to dig deep to uncover the truth based on the information that was referred to us,” said Mulaudzi.
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