By Obakeng Maje

Potchefstroom-The Democratic Alliance has referred a forensic report on corruption involving Tlokwe Mayor Maphetle Maphetle to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela for investigation. 

The report found the council allegedly irregularly bought a R736 000 customized Mercedes Benz for Mayor Maphetle. It recommends the formal disciplinary action against the mayor and officials.

“The report finds the Mayor to be involved in fraudulently siphoning R300 000 from the municipality’s Poverty Relief Fund to sponsor a jazz festival” DA Juanita Terblanche said.

“Further abuse of the Disaster Management Fund by Mayor Maphetle are also documented by forensic auditors” Terblanche continues.

These findings show that the Mayor was led by personal gain to abuse funds to assist impoverished residents and deal with disasters such as shack fires she said.

“The DA commissioned the forensic audit as part of the party’s campaign against corruption during our short time in charge of Tlokwe” said Terblanche.

The opposition party said ANC caucus resoundingly voted Mayor Maphetle back into power despite serious corruption allegations against him.

“We have no confidence in the ANC’s Tlokwe leadership to deal with these forensic findings in an appropriate and legal way” DA said.

“The DA trusts that the Public Protector will come to fair conclusion about the suitability of Mr Maphetle to hold office and the ANC’s overall mismanagement of Tlokwe municipal funds”.

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