IEC commissioner Nomsa Masuku’s corruption case has deepened. Her nephew Ciniso Masuku, 30, has been added to the accused list, bolstering the state’s case against Masukus.
The state is believed to have “a watertight case” against Masuku.
Ciniso, which means ‘Truth’ is facing graft charges and appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge for allegedly benefiting from the R1.2 million meant for underprivileged learners. The IEC has however not suspended Masuku for an allegation that puts the commission's integrity to the test.
Ciniso Masuku handed himself over to police on Tuesday morning and was processed at the Johannesburg Central police station on charges of fraud and theft in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Acts, Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale confirmed.
Ciniso is charged alongside his aunt and Phillip Roux who have since appeared in court and were released on bail of R20,000 and R10,000, respectively.
Masuku Senior is a former Standard Bank employee and head of the Corporate Social Investment (CIS) programme for the "Adopt A School Trust" which was established to provide scholarships, bursaries and awards of study, research or teaching to learners from schools adopted by Standard Bank's "Adopt a School" programme.
The programme was meant to uplift individuals who qualify and meet the selection criteria to further their studies at any recognised institution of higher learning.
Umkhonto weSizwe party has lambasted Masuku saying her presence in the structures of the commission present a significant threat to the integrity and credibility of the IEC which should be beyond reproach.
“Her arrest by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit and subsequent court appearance cast a dark shadow over the commission’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, which is already in tatters given the IEC’s failure to deal with widespread vote rigging, fraud and legitimate objections brought to the fore by MK Party,” he said.
“It is deeply concerning that an individual with such tainted credibility issues, was appointed to a position of immense responsibility within the IEC. This oversight raises serious questions about the vetting and hiring processes employed by the IEC. The appointment of Masuku, despite her alleged misconduct, undermines public trust in the institution charged with safeguarding our democratic processes,” he said.
Through an intensive probe, the Hawks investigators established that Masuku flaunted the processes of the trust by awarding scholarships to friends and family members through manipulation of documents and without the approval of the Committee with some of the monies deposited directly into her personal bank account to the tune of R1.2 million. According to the NPA’s Phindi Mjonondwane, Masuku allegedly transferred a sum of R800,000 to a second individual implicated in the case.
“Furthermore, the State alleges that she illicitly awarded bursaries worth R400,000 to ineligible recipients, including family members and friends,” she said.
Responding to IOL’s request for comment, Standard Bank said: “Standard Bank has noted media reports regarding a legal matter involving Ms Masuku. We can confirm Ms Masuku left Standard Bank in April 2013. We cannot provide any further comment on the legal proceedings and will co-operate with law enforcement as and when required.”
Though in a media statement the IEC acknowledged the reported arrest of Commissioner Dr. Nomsa Masuku, but however played down the case saying the allegations pertain to her previous employment and do not involve her current role within the commission.