- Criminal Charges Filed Against IDT Officials: Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has laid criminal charges against suspended IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane over allegations of attempted bribery involving journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh.
- Alleged Bribery to Silence Journalist: Myburgh was reportedly offered R60,000 in cash to refrain from publishing negative stories, prompting an investigation into the bribery attempt and related misconduct.
- Government Calls for Urgent Police Investigation: Macpherson has urged the South African Police Service to promptly investigate the bribery allegations, use of social media bot campaigns, and other acts of corruption linked to Malaka.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has laid criminal charges against suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane following allegations of attempted bribery of journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh.
According to a Daily Maverick report, Myburgh was allegedly offered R60,000 in cash to stop publishing negative stories. Minister Macpherson, who opened the case at Cape Town Central Police Station on Thursday, has called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to urgently investigate the bribery claims, the use of social media bot campaigns, and other possible acts of corruption linked to Malaka.
The Minister said the tactics used in the alleged attempt to silence Myburgh may have been used successfully elsewhere, including bribery of other journalists and political parties. He criticised political organisations such as ActionSA and the EFF for allegedly shielding those accused of corruption by endorsing false reports.
Macpherson has asked the new IDT board to investigate all contracts issued under Malaka, review the contractors involved, and trace the money flows to uncover the extent of the wrongdoing. He stressed the need to restore stability and accountability at the IDT.
“When I entered office, I vowed to end unaccountability and theft in the Department and its entities. These allegations confirm why we needed to act and why we will continue cleaning up,” Macpherson said.
