Mashatile dodges questions about diamond gift and travel costs

DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile has once again found himself at the centre of controversy, refusing to clarify his ties to alleged diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg, who gave a diamond to Mashatile’s wife.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

This latest development follows a scathing recommendation from the Ethics Committee that Mashatile be reprimanded and fined R10000 for failing to disclose the diamond in the confidential section of the register of financial interests.

The situation gained momentum following a thorough inquiry initiated by DA Chief Whip George Michalakis.

After lodging a complaint with the Ethics Committee in March, Michalakis posed pressing questions regarding the nature of Mashatile’s relationship with Liebenberg, particularly as attention shifted towards additional gifts that might have been exchanged over the past five years.

Mashatile previously indicated that he was waiting for a professional appraisal of the diamond to determine its value before making the necessary declaration.

He also stated that he had surrendered the diamond to the National Prosecuting Authority, but this was rejected by the committee, insisting that Mashatile should have disclosed the diamond gift and its actual value later.