The South African parliament has fined Vice-President Paul Mashatile R10,000 for failing to declare a diamond gift from alleged fraudster Louis Liebenberg.
Mr Liebenberg, an investor and ally of former President Jacob Zuma, is undergoing trial for a diamond investment scam.
The parliament’s Joint Ethics Committee found Mr Mashatile guilty of not declaring a diamond gift from Mr Liebenberg on Thursday, recommending a fine of R10,000 as a penalty.
George Michalakis, Democratic Alliance chief whip, had initiated a complaint against Mr Mashatile after reviewing his asset declarations in March.
The party, in a statement on Thursday, “welcomed” parliament’s sanction against Mr Mashatile, asking for a further probe into details of his relationship with Mr Liebenberg.
“There are also questions around the legality of this diamond, its nature, source and certification,” DA’s statement said.
It added, “These questions will be asked both to the deputy president and the Department of Justice. The exact nature of the relationship between the deputy president, his wife, and Mr Liebenberg that led to the visit at the deputy president’s home in November 2023 also requires immediate investigation.”
The South African vice-president is also being probed over his declaration of two properties valued at a combined R63 million. However, he has denied owning the properties.
Mr Mashatile said, “People must read. That’s the first thing you must learn in life. There’s nothing in parliament that I said I own a house. I said I live there. That house is owned by my son-in-law. So, what’s the problem?
“There is no government money in those houses. So, what are you looking for? I don’t know what are your problems. It’s a private home, it’s owned by the family.”
