COPE has also called for the Free State Premier Maqueen Lehoha-Mathae and her husband, Speaker of the Mangaung Metro, Lawrence Mathae, to resign over allegations that they accepted bribes from a local contractor.

IT'S A CRIMINAL CASE

Spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, confirmed that they are busy with investigations. 

"We are investigating the allegations and not any particular person, at this stage. Once evidence is gathered that points to a person of interest, then the matter will be presented before court."

COPE's acting provincial chairperson in the Free State, Nathane Makalo, said COPE is organising protests to hold the premier accountable.

"COPE demands a thorough investigation, as leaked messages reveal extensive financial misconduct, including money laundering and racketeering," said Makalo.

Earlier today ActionSA issued a statement saying they intend to file charges against CEO of New Beginnings, Patrick Phuti, and Free State's provincial Legislature Speaker, Mxolisi Dukwana. 

"The allegations centre around a questionable tender process for a multi-million Rand construction project, from which these individuals allegedly benefited through substantial payments and lavish gifts, raising serious concerns about the transparency and integrity of the province's leadership," said ActionSA's Patricia Kopane 

EXPOSING THE SCANDAL DOES NOT ABSOLVE HIM

Kopane added that while Phuti revealed the corruption via social media, his own involvement in making the payments does not absolve him of accountability.

"His allegations also suggest that Dukwana failed to intervene in the termination of Phuti's road project, despite receiving significant financial benefits. Phuti is also accused of facilitating payments to the premier and her family, allegedly transferring R4.5 million. He himself exposed these transactions via social media yet his involvement in these illegal payments implicates him in the corruption as well. Exposing the scandal does not absolve him from accountability," she emphasised.