South Africans – including Mmusi Maimane – are questioning what the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola is doing at the Springboks camp in Paris amid the Rugby World Cup final this weekend.

This, while the minister remains in the hot seat on the extradition process of wanted persons: the Gupta brothers and couple Sheperd and Mary Bushiri.

The Boks will face off against New Zealand’s All Blacks in a highly-anticipated final on Saturday, 28 October. The game will be attended by both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Sport Ziz Kodwa.On Friday, 27 October, rugby commentator Hendrik Cronje posted a clip of the Minister of Sport Zizi Kodwa greeting the Springboks squad at their training camp.

 

 

The minister was joined by members of the Gwigo Squad, who danced and chanted songs.

But eagled-eyed Twitter or X.com users were quick to spot another minister in the entourage – Justice and Correctional Service’s Ronald Lamola.

Bosa party leader Mmusi Maimane tweeted: “What is the Minister of Justice doing there? Looking for Guptas at the World Cup?“I am cognizant of how our tax money has been misused on multiple occasions and therefore vigilant.

Others agreed with Mmusi.

@Ounalypse: “We deserve to know who funded the trip!”

@Mashego_Tham: “Fun and shopping, obviously. Maybe private dinner with Guptas too?”

@StevenBerry1981: “Cadres must eat. This includes overseas trips to sporting events. Nobody is surprised”.