R10k fine for Paul Mashatile over secret diamond gift

Posted on August 3, 2025
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Staff Bona

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been found guilty by Parliament’s ethics committee for failing to declare a diamond gift received by his wife from controversial businessman Louis Liebenberg.

The committee fined Paul and recommended he be officially reprimanded in the National Assembly for breaching the parliamentary code of conduct, which requires MPs to declare gifts received by immediate family.

Paul’s office claimed the diamond was under verification and intended to be returned after Louis’s arrest for fraud and money laundering.

However, Parliament maintained the gift should have been declared immediately, regardless of its authenticity or future return.

In a statement to Parliament, the committee concluded that Paul had violated item 13(3)(f) in conjunction with item 16(1)(a)(ii) of the code.

“As a result, the committee will recommend to the National Assembly to impose a reprimand in the House and a fine of R10,000 for a first offence of a breach of the code.

“The committee remained steadfast in its quest to ensure accountability of all Members of Parliament as demanded by the code.

“The disclosure process not only facilitates public trust in Parliament but also enhances its credibility,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Paul denied ownership of the Constantia mansion in Cape Town.

 

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: Nomzamo Mbatha sets record straight after Paul Mashatile dating rumour