I paid for my Touareg -- Balfour

Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour is threatening to sue the unknown writer of a letter allegedly sent to Parliament’s watchdog committee on members’ interests questioning his acquisition of a black 4x4.

Balfour last week released a statement in which he “didn’t hide his anger” about the “malicious allegations” levelled against him.

Before the release of the statement on Wednesday no mention had been made of the alleged letter.

According to Balfour’s spokesman, Bheki Manzini, allegations that Balfour received the vehicle as a gift were made in an anonymous letter sent to Parliament’s joint committee on ethics and members’ interests.

The allegation is that he received a black Volkswagen Touareg as a gift. According to the minister, it was a normal transaction and he is paying-off the vehicle.

“Like any other sale, no additional discounts were provided to the minister other than those provided to the retail public.

And the Auditor General has got a letter to that effect,” reads the statement.

The vehicle is financed through Kgwerano Asset Finance, a division of WesBank.