12 On Hillel Villa & Spa Denies Links to Alleged Criminal Activities following Commission Testimony
12 On Hillel Villa and Spa issues a statement.
by Mathipa Phishego
The management of 12 On Hillel Villa & Spa has issued a formal media statement rejecting claims that the establishment is linked to criminal activity or individuals implicated in the ongoing Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.
The hotel responded following media reports suggesting that its premises were used improperly and that individuals testifying at the Commission had ties to the property. According to the statement, the hotel firmly denied widespread reports claiming that businessman Vusi Ndlala is the owner or operator of the establishment.
“The owner of the property is not the so-called Vusi Ndlala. Any evidence suggesting he owns or operates the Hotel should be carefully investigated for authenticity and accuracy,” the statement reads.The hotel further clarified that Vusi is not involved in its management, operations, or administration in any capacity, and there is no record of him being an employee, director, agent, or representative.
Addressing reports that an individual linked to the Commission stayed at the property, the hotel confirmed that a person registered under the name Vusi Makhubela had indeed been a guest. However, it stressed that guests are entitled to privacy and that their presence does not imply involvement in illicit activity.
“Guests may visit for lawful purposes; the hotel is not privy to their conversations or external dealings,” management stated. The hotel also disputed claims that a high-profile event or party took place on its premises at the time mentioned in media reports.
Booking logs and event records allegedly show no such activity on the specified date. The statement expressed concern over public criticism aimed at media personality Lerato Kganyago, clarifying that although her name has been mentioned in media coverage, she holds no ownership, managerial, or operational role in the hotel.
“Kganyago is not associated with the business operations of the hotel and should not be implicated without factual basis,” the management asserted. The hotel reiterated its commitment to lawful operations and distancing itself from any suggestion of being used as a meeting hub for criminality.
It insisted that the establishment exists solely as an accommodation, hospitality, and wellness venue and pledged to continue cooperating with investigative authorities. Additionally, the hotel addressed claims of website disruptions, stating that its official website remained fully operational during the periods cited in media coverage.
While expressing support for the Commission’s mandate to uphold justice and accountability, the hotel stressed its obligation to safeguard its reputation against misinformation. “We welcome legitimate inquiry into the facts, but we will correct inaccurate information that may have been disseminated,” the statement concluded.