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ACC: WE ARE DEALING WITH WHITE COLLAR CRIME

11/05/2015 00:49:00 BY MBONGISENI NDZIMANDZE

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MBABANE – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says investigations are still ongoing in the matter of former Minister Sibusiso Shongwe, hence he should not be released from custody.

The commission further stated that it requires more time to conclude its investigations, particularly because it was dealing with white collar crime.
The ACC is opposing Shongwe’s new bail application, which he filed on Friday.

ACC investigator Bhekithemba Mndzebele, in his answering affidavit, stated that the former minister’s bail application was misconceived.
“The investigations are still ongoing and will be concluded within a reasonable time since they are now at an advanced stage. I have been advised that an indictment is being worked on which will be filed in this court, with an application to have the application by the Director of Public Prosecutions to have the applicant (Shongwe) summarily tried on or before the close of business this coming Friday,” submitted the investigator. Mndzebele said this was an indication that Shongwe’s trial would be expedited as the ACC appreciated that he was denied bail.

He also mentioned that in the event Shongwe was dissatisfied with the results of his first bail application, he should have proceeded by way of appeal. “It is the Crown’s submission that while applicant (Shongwe) has already been arrested and charged, it has become apparent that there are multiple other incidents of malpractice which border on criminality and are now subject to investigation,” he stated.

Mndzebele highlighted that one of the allegations related to the theft of property.
“This offence relates to the discovery of a High Court file relating to the applicant’s criminal charges, which was found at his place of residence. This indicates the lengths at which public servants would go, in order to serve his (Shongwe) interest,” submitted Mndzebele.