CAPE TOWN - Deputy Public Works Minister Jeremy Cronin on Wednesday said they want the findings of a preliminary investigation into upgrades at President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla home brought to Parliament as soon as possible.
He said a number of irregularities like overcharging were picked up in the probe.
The public protector's investigation into the multi-million rand upgrades is also nearly complete.
Cronin told the media the report must come before Parliament.
“The problem is we can’t break the law, even if it’s an apartheid law. It’s covered by the National Key Point Legislation, that’s our dilemma in wanting to be as transparent as we can around the matter.”
Cronin said the initial findings were serious.
“I have not seen the report because the minister is dealing with it. However, according to the preliminary findings, there are serious anomalies in terms of the numbers, overcharging and variation of costs. The minister has asked the SIU [Special Investigating Unit] to look into the matter.”
The Nkandla upgrades cost around R200 million and Zuma maintains his family members will foot the bill.
An investigation conducted by the Public Works Ministry in January found no evidence of state funds being irregularly used for the upgrades.
According to the report, R71 million was spent directly on security features such as bulletproof windows, security fencing, evacuation mechanisms and firefighting equipment.
A further R135 million was spent on operational costs incurred by state departments involved in the upgrade.
- EWN
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