The MK Party has accused the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) of operating as a “hit squad” with a political agenda, following the timing of new investigations into Eskom and Transnet. The party’s Chief Whip, Mzwanele Manyi, raised concerns on Tuesday, questioning why the proclamations were issued in the same week that former CEOs Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama were sworn in as members of Parliament (MPs).
Both Molefe and Gama, now representing the MK Party, could be directly affected by the SIU’s latest probes into their former companies. Molefe and Gama became MPs on August 28, just days before President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamations authorizing the investigations—on August 23 for Transnet and August 30 for Eskom.
Manyi suggested the timing was politically motivated, stating, “The hit squad narrative is given credence by these realities. Why was this not signed last year or earlier? Why does it coincide with these appointments?”
The SIU head, Andy Mothibi, defended the agency before Parliament’s justice committee, stating that the SIU conducts its investigations “without fear or favour.” He assured the committee that the latest proclamations stem from recommendations made by the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, not political influence.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also raised concerns, with MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane questioning the SIU’s independence. She suggested the agency could be “weaponised by the executive to target political opponents.”
Despite the criticism, Mothibi reaffirmed that the SIU operates impartially and does not allow itself to be used for political purposes. The discussion around the SIU’s investigations continues to fuel debate on the agency’s role and independence in tackling corruption in South Africa.