Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance has laid charges of perjury against embattled former social development Minister Bathabile Dlamini for allegedly lying under oath.
Last week, the Constitutional Court handed down a scathing judgement which tagged the Minister of Women in Presidency as “reckless and grossly negligent” and requested that the National Prosecuting Authority consider whether she should be prosecuted for lying under oath.
It was also found that Dlamini had failed to disclose to the court that she not only constituted parallel work streams to move payments of social grants but that they also reported to her.
The department raked up irregular expenditure of R1.7 billion during Dlamini’s time as social development minister.
The court directed that the National Prosecution Authority decide whether Dlamini should be charged with perjury.
DA MP Bridget Masango who laid charges against Dlamini on Wednesday at the Johannesburg Central Police Station has called for the sacking of Dlamini.
“It is clear from her actions that she does not care for the millions of vulnerable South Africans who depend on social grants every month just to feed their loved ones.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa is harbouring individuals in his Cabinet who are Constitutionally and morally bankrupt and have very little regard for the laws and people of the country. It is for this reason the DA has given President Ramaphosa until Friday, 5 October, to remove Dlamini from his Cabinet,” said Masango.
The Constitutional Court ruled that Dlamini be held liable for 20% of costs of last year's SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) debacle, however, the DA has called for Dlamini’s axing.
“It is now in the hands of the South African Police Services to investigate these charges against Minister Dlamini and up to the NPA to ensure that she is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Masango.