DA leadership tensions spill into Public Protector complaint

Probe into possible abuse of state resources by Dion George and his ex-staff

- NICOLA MAWSON

THE Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has submitted a formal complaint to the Public Protector, requesting an investigation into possible abuse of state resources by former Minister Dion George and his former staff.

The complaint names George's former advisor and acting chief of staff, Shelton Mollentze, and the Minister's then-personal assistant, Traverse le Goff.

In a statement issued by the department, it said that the complaint was lodged after Aucamp assumed office, during which he became aware of an investigation into his private business affairs.

Aucamp said he felt the investigation appeared to be politically motivated and aimed at falsely linking him to the lion breeding industry, with which he has no association.

"I will not shy away from my duty as minister and will act against anyone in my department who has been alleged, on a prima facie basis, to have misused state resources, irrespective of what position such individuals hold or have held in the past, Aucamp is quoted as saying in the statement.

Days before Ramaphosa fired George, the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA) expressed deep concern over Aucamp's appointment.