Malaka Family Trust Rejects R60,000 Bribery Claims, SA Divided As Trust Alleges IDT CEO Is Innocent
- The Malaka Family Trust has rubbished the recent bribery claims made against Tebogo Malaka
- The trust believes that the allegations are part of a politically motivated campaign
- Citizens weighed in on the statement in support of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The Malaka Family Trust has come out in support of Tebogo Malaka, saying that she’s at the centre of a campaign to discredit her.
The Independent Development Trust (IDT) Chief Executive Officer is in hot water after a video surfaced of her and the IDT spokesperson, Phasha Makgolane, allegedly trying to bribe a journalist.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson opened a criminal case at the Cape Town Police Station following the release of the video, which appears to show Malaka and Makgolane attempting to bribe investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh with R60,000.
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Source: Getty Images
Malaka Family Trust denies bribery allegations
The Malaka Family Trust (MFT) has shot down the allegations against the IDT CEO, saying that it was a politically motivated campaign designed to remove her from her post.
In an official statement, the MFT claimed that it was an attempt to damage her reputation.
“Let us be clear. Ms Malaka did not offer a bribe, did not suggest one, and did not take out or authorise any money. The cash in question was produced by the IDT spokesperson, not Ms. Malaka. She did not invite the journalist, did not know him before the meeting, and did not select the venue or arrange the setup,” the statement read.
In an interview with eNCA, spokesperson Ayanda Jele reiterated the statement, saying that the MFT categorically denied that the CEO took out money and gave it to the journalist.
He also claimed that the footage was edited and questioned how sure the journalist was that money would be presented, as he set up cameras to capture it. The MFT’s statement also questioned where the cameras came from.
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Public Works minister Dean Macpherson opens case against suspended IDT CEO for bribery saga
“Who set up the hidden cameras, and why? The public deserves to know who orchestrated this recording and whether it was done legally, ethically, or as part of a political operation,” it read.”
The MFT also called for an investigation into allegations that the journalist may have coordinated with Minister Macpherson in what it called a "manufactured scandal."
How did South Africans react?
Social media users were split by the claims, with some saying that it was possible she was set up, while others found the excuse laughable.
Ntuthu Fuzile asked:
“But what was she doing in Cape Town, at the table, with her spokesperson and the journalist? Why did she not ask her spokesperson anything when he was giving the journalist the money? Those are ladies' bags, who did they belong to?”
Robby Robinson Elago noted:
“If the CEO didn’t know what the money was all about, she would have asked the guy she came with why he was offering the money to the journalist. The CEO didn’t even act surprised when the money was taken out of the bag.”
Luzuko Zukuana Hulana stated:
“She's going to win this case because she didn't touch the money.”
Tshetlwane Darius said:
“It’s nonsense and very embarrassing that they are trying to spin the story around.”
Lesiba Legodi stated:
“I like the guy. He is a good spinner. And yes, if the journalist didn't initiate the bribe or the spokesperson, why would there be cameras if it wasn't part of the arrangement? I like the guy.”
Dalene Henry exclaimed:
“Aye. Some people take us for fools.”
Vasantha Mahalingam stated:
“There are three sides to a story. Let the court decide on a balance of probabilities what seems to have transpired between IDT officials and Myburgh regarding the bribe.”
Valentine Okonkwo added:
“There are possibilities that it was a set-up. I am with you.”
Malaka allegedly tried to bribe journalist
Briefly News reported that Malaka was reportedly caught on camera trying to bribe a journalist.
In the video, the IDT CEO was allegedly attempting to stop the journalist from investigating one of her estates.
South Africans slammed her and applauded the journalist for his actions, which exposed the alleged bribery.
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Source: Briefly News
