Tebogo Malaka, the suspended Chief Executive Officer CEO of the Independent Development Trust IDT, has been caught on video allegedly attempting to bribe Daily Maverick investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh.
Daily Maverick published the video on Wednesday 6 August. It is also available to watch on YouTube here .
IDT CEO allegedly tries to bribe journalistThe footage shows Malaka, who was accompanied by IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, allegedly offering Myburgh R60,000 in cash to bury a story on Malakas property in Midrands Waterfall Country Estate.
The CEO was allegedly able to buy a plot and develop the multimillion-rand property, while also purchasing others, through her trusts and without bonds.
Myburghs probe reportedly established a link between Malaka and one of IDTs contractors. The CEO then reportedly made contact with the journalist through Makgolane in an alleged bid to stop the investigation.
They eventually set up a meeting at a restaurant in Stellenbosch on Sunday, 3 August. The publication organised surveillance to cover it.
So, I just want to close this chapter. I think I will need you to close this chapter. Its too much. I have kids. I have parents. My parents are old. They were sick. They couldnt sleep over the last weekend. Its bad, Malaka is heard telling Myburgh in the video.
I want it closed. I dont want you to be writing about it. I dont want anything coming out. Lets have peace for a moment.
Makgolane is then seen in the footage pushing a small bag full of cash across the table towards Myburgh, who then takes a picture of the cash, pushes it back to Makgolane and leaves the table.
SuspensionOn Friday 1 August, the IDT board placed Malaka on precautionary suspension following a forensic investigation into a R836 million oxygen plant tender.