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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West has learned with great shock that the forensic investigation into the R134 million which was erroneously deposited into the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality’s account, has been completed, implicating certain politicians.

Judging from the media reports, it is clear that the country’s justice system failed the family of Moss Phakoe who flagged irregularities at the municipality. It is disheartening that witnesses who presented evidence which led to the release of the convicted have been found guilty of perjury relating to the same evidence. 

COSATU is concerned that what would be expected following these developments is not being implemented-that the acquittal is withdrawn as it was derived from fictitious evidence.  

Whilst we welcome that the investigation has been completed, we demand that the report must be made public. In the same breath, the state should act swiftly in the protection of those who voluntarily gave information which assisted in the conclusion of the report. Furthermore, speedy action must be taken against those who are implicated.

We also call for the criminal justice system to reopen the case of comrade Moss Phakoe and withdraw the acquittal of those who have been convicted before as they have been released based on false information.

Issued by COSATU North West