The Sunday Tribune newspaper recently published a story headlined: “Hawks Report clears Lindiwe Sisulu’s advisor of Wrongdoing”.
It described how Mphumzi Mdekazi the Advisor to Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has been cleared of all wrongdoing according to a leaked report by the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
According to the story, the so-called report was addressed to Minister Sisulu, exonerated Mdekazi on allegations of fraud, corruption, tender irregularities and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. The so-called report which is in form of a letter, written and signed by a Colonel AB Ledwaba from the Hawks advised that the investigation has been finalised.
The alleged proof in Colonel Ledwaba’s report, claimed evidence was circumstantial and insufficient to proceed with prosecution and that a supposed audit report did not implicate Mdekazi directly, as due process was followed for bidding and awarding of all the tenders.
The DPCI wishes to distance itself from the so-called leaked report and state unequivocally that it does not have a Lieutenant Colonel/Colonel Ledwaba within its ranks.
The DPCI also wish to condemn the bogus letter with the strongest contempt. It is regrettable that the journalist, Ayanda Mdluli failed to verify the so-called report with the DPCI. The article is inaccurate and lacks balanced reporting.
An investigation is currently underway to find the source of the fake letters and necessary action will be taken against the perpetrators.
“It is hoped that no one was duped into paying money to the author of this fictitious letter. Attempts were made in the past where a suspect used a similar type of letter and the DPCI arrested the imposter”.
