SIU against the ropes on Nkandla probe

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has confirmed that it has still not begun its investigation into the Nkandla debacle.

The unit made the statement three and a half months after Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi said the unit would probe government spending into the controversial Nkandla residence which belongs to President Jacob Zuma.

Nxesi made the promise while announcing that over R200 million had been spent on what he said was a security upgrade for the property.

The SIU said it's still waiting for an official proclamation that will allow it to investigate the Nkandla issue.

Corruption Watch head David Lewis said this means it could be a very long time before the unit actually makes a finding as Zuma is the only person who can issue the proclamation.

OTHER PROBES?

Meanwhile, It still remains unclear which state department is holding up the investigation into Nkandla.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's office said it plans to release a preliminary report on its investigation soon.

Her office confirmed that she was still awaiting crucial documents from government before she wraps up her investigation into the Presidential homestead.

Government has spent more than R200 million on consultants and security upgrades to Zuma's Nkandla homestead, using taxpayer's money.

The Public Protector is remaining mum on which department has been keeping crucial documents from investigators and also won't say which documents are still outstanding.

Both the Presidency and the Department of Public Works have been fingered as the culprits by various media houses.

The Presidency has refused to comment on these allegations.

Kgalalelo Masibi from the Public Protector office said, “The investigation is at an advanced stage the Public Protector hopes to release a provisional report soon.”

Meanwhile, the Justice Department's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has failed to start their own investigation into the matter. 

- EWN