Tokyo Sexwale victim to ‘sophisticated network of scammers’ – Zizi Kodwa

With the general public and government still reeling from the explosive remarks delivered by African National Congress (ANC) veteran Tokyo Sexwale last week, one of his political comrades has come out in defence of the astonishing and unverified claims that billions of rands raised to fight COVID-19 and finance social relief have been stolen from an undisclosed “Heritage Fund”.

The ruling party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) member and Deputy Minister of State Security Zizi Kodwa told SABC News that the claims made by Sexwale during an extraordinary press conference on Thursday stand up to scrutiny, suggesting that Sexwale is the victim of a “sophisticated network of scammers”. 

Sexwale ‘inadvertently falls victim to sophisticated scammers’  

Kodwa told the state broadcaster that Sexwale may well have fallen prey to a crime far more malicious than the common ‘419 scam’ suggested to have taken place by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). 

“I think the actions and utterances of Mr Sexwale may be due to his exposure to a very sophisticated network of scammers and information paddlers and he may be as a consequence of that, exposed himself as an instrument of those groupings inadvertently,” said Kodwa. 

“It’s a matter for him to consider because over a period of time since 2014 to 2016, as the state security has been investigating a number of scams and individuals who claim to want to do business with the government of South Africa.”

‘Step aside’ rules must be enforced – Kodwa  

Kodwa added that the “step aside” rules supposed to have been enforced by the ANC in the event of a senior party member being accused of serious allegations of corruption need to be implemented without fear or favour to ensure that “discipline” within the ANC is maintained. 

“All those who affected by the step aside must follow the example and the discipline of Mr Mbeki, the discipline of President Zuma when they were recalled. If you are against their wishes but respected the national committee because we must put the ANC above our own interest,” he said. 

“It does not mean sometimes everything individually, you may feel the organisation is incorrect but for the sake of the organisation including its unity you must accept the outcomes of the organisation.”

Hawks confirm fraud probe underway  

There is nonetheless a great deal of digging to be done to establish the veracity of Sexwale’s claims, with the Hawks – who launched the probe into the lost funds handed he handed over to the so-called ‘White Spiritual Boy Trust Fund’ – having confirmed that they are investigating the matter without bias. 

Hawks Spokesperson, Katlego Mogale said that a case of fraud has been opened by Sexwale. 

“The Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) can confirm that a case of fraud, alternatively theft, was opened with regards to the so-called Heritage Fund as reported by the complainant,” he said. 

“It is too early in the investigation to speculate as to who the role players are and it is not the norm of the DPCI to reveal names of suspects or persons of interest before allegations are properly investigated and such suspects have been court.”