Minister Thembi Simelane denies corruption allegations linked to her role at Vitrovian, connected to Eskom. Captain Wesley Lombard is scheduled to testify again in the Joshlin Smith trial regarding confession admissibility, as three individuals were murdered in a suspected taxi attack in Johannesburg.
In recent developments, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has firmly rejected allegations of corruption tied to her former position at Vitrovian, a company associated with Eskom. Reports indicate that Vitrovian increased pricing for work at the Kusile power station during her tenure. This comes amid scrutiny over a loan she allegedly secured through a middleman related to the defunct VBS Mutual Bank. Simelane’s spokesperson, Tsekiso Machike, described the claims as misleading and characterized the article as “gutter journalism.”
Meanwhile, the trial concerning Joshlin Smith is advancing, with Captain Wesley Lombard, the investigating officer, set to testify again. This trial-within-a-trial assesses the admissibility of confession statements purportedly acquired through torture. Lombard indicated that discrepancies in statements from suspects led to Stevano van Rhyn being identified as a suspect. His defense attorney, Nobahle Mkabayi, is challenging Lombard’s decision to detain van Rhyn, who contends he did not encounter Joshlin on the day of her disappearance, an assertion contradicting other evidence.
In a related incident, three individuals were fatally shot in a suspected taxi-related attack in Vlakfontein, south of Johannesburg. Gauteng police are currently investigating the case, having discovered the victims with gunshot wounds in a Toyota Quantum. The motive remains unclear; however, authorities are urging individuals with information to engage with either the Crime Stop Line or submit anonymous tips via the MySAPS App.
In summary, Minister Thembi Simelane has denied corruption allegations related to Eskom, calling the reports misleading. In the judicial sphere, Captain Wesley Lombard is continuing his testimony in the Joshlin Smith case, focusing on the legality of confessions obtained during the investigation. Additionally, police are investigating the murder of three men in a suspected taxi-related incident in Johannesburg, with authorities seeking public assistance in the case.
Original Source: allafrica.com
