A "red suitcase" containing evidence that was to be submitted to parliament as part of its investigation against Gengezi Mgidlana, its suspended secretary, has been stolen from the chambers of a top advocate.
The Sunday Times has been reliably informed that the suitcase contained more than 2,000 pages of evidence and transcripts. The documents were stolen from the office of Advocate Johnny Nortje, who is representing Zelda Holtzman, parliament's head of security, who was suspended by Mgidlana.
There was no sign of forced entry to Nortje's office in Cape Town and the matter has been reported to the police for investigation.
Nortje said the documents were due to be submitted as evidence against Mgidlana to an independent audit committee of parliament that has been instructed by National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete to investigate allegations of mismanagement, corruption and abuse of power levelled against parliament's CEO.
Nortje said it was strange that the documents were stolen just weeks after parliament asked its audit committee to investigate the allegations levelled against Mgidlana.
"It is court recess and our chambers are on the ground floor with easy access from the street. The famous red suitcase containing the Holtzman files was always right there for the last two years. [The suitcase] only disappeared after an inquiry was announced regarding maladministration on the watch of the secretary to parliament," said Nortje.
Holtzman was suspended two years ago with Mgidlana accusing her of presiding over "security breaches" at the legislature.
She is still fighting to clear her name and to be reinstated. She is also expected to testify before the independent audit committee.
Mbete suspended Mgidlana last month pending the outcome of the investigation.
He faces allegations of irregularly hiring senior staff, embarking on unauthorised international trips and ordering parliamentary staff to chauffeur him around in vehicles fitted with blue lights.
Mgidlana is also facing an investigation by public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane after the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union lodged a complaint.
Parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo said the institution had been made aware of the alleged theft of the red suitcase through the media.
"We don't know what happened. It's a matter for the police to ... determine what happened," said Mothapo.
"We can't comment because the matter now is before [the audit committee]. But I know that they will not want to offer running commentary."..