Corrupt politicians beware!

[SAHRC]( [Mail & Guardian Newsletter logo](#) [mg.co.za]( [The Ampersand Daily Newsletter from the M&G team](#) [Divider Strip] October 02 2020 | [View in browser]( [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( Hi there, In this week's cover story we have a friendly warning for some of the sketchier characters in office: the Hawks are finally coming for you. This story, and much more, is available both in print and online. Sabelo Skiti reports that the Hawks' [wave of high-profile arrests is set to continue]( on the weekend, with the focus shifting to the looting of the VBS Mutual Bank. Two sources with intimate knowledge said warrants of arrest for several ANC politicians who are considered to have influenced the deposits have already been signed, and that arrests are imminent. The head of the Hawks, officially known as the directorate of priority crime investigation, General Godfrey Lebeya, would only tell us his officers had been preparing to make arrests earlier. Meanwhile, former ANC MP Vincent Smith, who allegedly received more than R600 000 in kickbacks from the infamous Bosasa company, has [handed himself over for arrest]( reports Khaya Koko. Smith took the initiative by showing up at the Alberton police station in Ekurhuleni, on Thursday, where some drama ensued when he tried to evade reporters while doing so. Paddy Harper brings similar tidings of ANC discontent. He reports that corruption-accused eThekwini municipal manager Sipho Nzuza made a dramatic return to work this week, but the [councillors charged with him were barred from attending]( a full council meeting as the governing party continued to move against leaders facing criminal charges. On Wednesday, ANC councillor Zoe Shabalala was prevented from attending the council meeting by the party's eThekwini caucus leadership, together with two other councillors who are facing corruption charges. In more positive news for the ruling party, Lester Kiewit reports that current secretary-general Ace Magashule has been cleared of allegations that he [misled the Free State provincial legislature]( when he was premier of that province. It follows a complaint by the Democratic Alliance's Roy Jankielsohn, who asked the public protector to investigate whether Magashule lied about payments made for the funeral of health MEC Fundiswa Ngubentombi in 2012. Public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, of course, has a history in declining to hold Magashule to account. Last year, the high court in Pretoria [made a personal and punitive costs order against her in litigation]( over her report into the Gupta-linked Vrede dairy project. In a scathing judgment, Judge Ronel Tolmay declared that "her dereliction of duty impacted on the rights of the poor and vulnerable in society, the very people for whom her office was essentially created". Many of our politicians would seem to have much to contemplate over the weekend then. By contrast, we hope yours is restful and drama-free. Until Tuesday, Kiri Rupiah & Luke Feltham [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( You are receiving this email on {EMAIL} because 1.) You're a member of "Mail & Guardian" or 2.) previously subscribed [M&G logo] 25 Owl St, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, 2092 Want to be removed? No problem! [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Email support: help@media-connect.co.za - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -