Controversy does not scare Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane. He and his deputy have just bought new cars with taxpayer money - at double the price recommended by government.

The Sowetan newspaper reported on Tuesday that Zwane is the new owner of a Mercedes Benz E400‚ which costs R1.35 million.

His deputy Godfrey Oliphant recently also bought a Porsche Cayenne costing an estimated R1.33 million.

Editorial: Now is not the time for Gupta payback The news that the Competition Commission is taking 18 banks for prosecution before the Competition Tribunal for currency price-fixing has, predictably, come as manna from heaven for President Jacob Zuma and legions of his supporters.

The purchases occurred despite Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan capping the cost of new cars for ministers at R750‚000.

Zwane has been accused of not doing enough to help families affected by the Lily Mine accident and subsequent bankruptcy‚ as well as trying to speak on behalf of Cabinet in defence of the Guptas.

He also has the poorest parliamentary attendance record of all Cabinet ministers‚ according to a Business Day report in December 2016. Records from the People’s Assembly Service showed Zwane was registered absent for 31 committee meetings.

What is the car actually like? Ignition LIVE has a review of the Mercedes Benz E400 Hybrid.

- See the full story in today's Sowetan