ANC Chief Whip to lay criminal charges against DA MP Burke and his company Kastelo
The African National Congress (ANC) Parliamentary Caucus Chief Whip, Cde Mdumiseni Ntuli, will lay a criminal charge against Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Dr Mark Burke and his company, Kastelo, amid serious allegations concerning approximately R4 billion in transactions reportedly under investigation by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
The action follows growing concerns about financial accountability, compliance with South African law and the standards of conduct expected from a serving Member of Parliament, particularly one who has occupied positions within Parliament’s finance-related oversight structures.
The ANC Parliamentary Caucus has noted the DA’s decision to move Dr Burke out of the finance portfolio. However, the action by the DA, which is an unashamed and desperate PR stunt, is woefully inadequate.
A committee reshuffle is not accountability. Having conducted a more thorough-going assessment of the matter at hand, the ANC Parliamentary Caucus has come to the inescapable conclusion that the allegations must now be subjected to a full, impartial and unhindered investigation by the competent law-enforcement authorities. There must be no political protection, interference or attempts to
The ANC Parliamentary Caucus has issued an urgent media advisory inviting journalists to witness the formal laying of criminal charges at the Cape Town Central Police Station.
The event is set to take place on Friday morning, Friday, at 10:00 AM.
In its official communication, the caucus outlined that this legal step is a definitive measure to ensure that recent allegations are thoroughly and formally placed in the hands of relevant law enforcement authorities.
The caucus noted that the move is essential for establishing an undisputed set of facts surrounding the matter.
“The laying of the criminal charge is intended to ensure that the allegations are formally placed before the relevant authorities, that the facts are properly established and that, should evidence of criminal conduct emerge, those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law,” the statement reads.
The caucus further implied that the transparent, legal process is necessary to keep public and institutional focus firmly fixed on the core substance of the allegations, countering any potential distractions or deflections.
The briefing will take place at 28 Buitenkant Street, the site of the Cape Town Central Police Station.
Hlengiwe Hadebe, serving as the Media Liaison Officer for the caucus, has been named as the primary point of contact for all press inquiries regarding the logistics and background of the filing.
