DA Pressures Police for Progress on VBS Investigation Against EFF’s Malema and Shivambu

In a concerted push for transparency and justice, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in South Africa has escalated its persistent concerns about the lack of progress in the criminal investigations of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leaders Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu. Stemming from serious allegations tied to the high-profile VBS Mutual Bank scandal, the DA's actions bring into sharp focus the country's ongoing battle against corruption and its impact on governance.

The case, which has lingered with seemingly minimal progress for years, revolves around the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank—a financial institution that collapsed due to extensive fraudulent activities. Disturbing details came to light in a witness statement from Tshifhiwa Matodzi, the individual at the epicenter of the debacle, implicating Malema and Shivambu in a scheme that pillaged the bank's assets. The DA has highlighted how this scheme allegedly fueled an opulent lifestyle for the accused individuals, devastating the lives of many—particularly senior citizens who lost their life savings.

For the DA, this issue transcends mere financial misappropriation and touches the heart of ethical governance and the credibility of the South African Parliament as an institution. The allegations against Malema and Shivambu suggest they may have leveraged their political influence for personal gain, undermining the public's trust in their representatives and shaking the foundations of the nation's democratic structures.

In seeking to hold the public office bearers accountable, and to restore integrity within Parliament, the DA famously laid criminal charges against the EFF figures back in 2018. Concerned by the South African Police Service's (SAPS) lack of updates and perceived inaction, the DA has now turned to the Police Portfolio Committee, chaired by Ian Cameron, to intervene. The party is insisting on a detailed explanation from SAPS for the investigation's stagnation over such a significant matter.

This incident casts a stark light on the necessity for robust oversight functions within government institutions. By encouraging the Police Portfolio Committee to scrutinize SAPS's activities, the DA hopes to ensure that adequate measures are taken to process such high-stakes investigations with the urgency and thoroughness they deserve.

The DA's unyielding stand on the issue serves as a repeated reminder that, in their view, corruption is not a victimless crime—it has real and profound consequences, especially on society's most vulnerable. Their expectation is clear: accountability must prevail, and justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

The unfolding situation remains a critical test of South Africa's legal framework, and the eyes of the public are trained on how the state handles corruption allegations against high-profile political figures. The outcome of this matter has the potential to either reinforce or erode public confidence in the nation's ability to combat corruption and maintain the sanctity of its democratic institutions.