MPUMALANGA – The investigation into the controversial R2 million laptop deal by the Mpumalanga Department of Education is said to be nearing completion.
The internal investigation, led by the Office of Premier Mandla Ndlovu, seeks to establish facts, collect supporting evidence, and verify any information or documentation following allegations that the department spent over R91,000 for each of the 22 laptops purchased for its staff, totalling R2,020,883.45.
However, this has not gone down well with the EFF, who expressed dissatisfaction with the internal probe. The party has called on the Premier to report any “suspected acts of corruption by MECs” to the relevant authorities such as the police, the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and the Public Protector, rather than handling the matter internally.
Mpumalanga government spokesperson George Mthethwa dismissed the EFF’s request, stating that the decision to launch an internal investigation rests solely with the Premier.
“That’s his decision because he is the executive authority of the provincial department,” Mthethwa told the Highveld Chronicle on Friday afternoon.
He also accused the red berets of prejudging the investigation.
“They are jumping to conclusions when, in fact, the report is yet to be tabled,” he said.
Mthethwa further revealed that the investigating team is finalising the probe before preparing the report.
“Probably by the end of next week, around this time,” he said. “And then they [EFF] can come with their own views and perceptions. But for now, let’s give the investigating team the space to do their work and compile the report with the recommendations.”
