Cape Town – Western Cape speaker Masizole Mnqasela has reportedly maintained his innocence after the Democratic Alliance (DA) suspended him from all party activities over the weekend following allegations of corruption against him.
According to News24, Mnqasela briefed the media on Sunday, saying that he was not a criminal nor a thief.
“Thieves might look like me, but I am not one of them. I grew up very poor, but my parents taught me one thing and that is you must not steal, and I will not start at this age. I will not be found guilty because I know my innocence,” said Mqasela as quoted by the report.
Recently the DA said in a statement that it was approached by whistleblowers who reported the allegations pertaining to Mnqasela’s subsistence, travel, and entertainment allowances.
“As required by the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, the DA has reported the matter to the Hawks for investigation, including the documentary evidence provided in the protected disclosures,” said the DA.
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It also referred the matter to its Federal Legal Commission (FLC) for an immediate investigation.
The Citizen reported that the party’s provincial executive committee (PEC) met on Friday and decided to suspend Mnqasela.
“The PEC’s decision to suspend is based on the findings of an investigation report by the DA’s Federal Legal Commission that there is sufficient credibility in the allegations relating to irregularities pertaining to subsistence, travel and entertainment allowance claims,” DA Western Cape chairperson Jaco Londt said, as quoted by the report.
Mnqasela said as a disciplined member of the DA, he welcomed the decision to suspend him from party activities, according to eNCA.
“I welcome the decision from the DA political party activities. None of my responsibilities are affected. The doctrine of separation of powers is therefore observed and should be at all times respected,” said Mqasela as quoted by the report.
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Picture: Facebook/ Masizole Mnqasela
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
