By Obakeng Maje
Potchefstroom-The DA has received confirmation from Public Protector Thuli Madonsela that she will investigate Tlokwe Mayor Maphetle Maphetle. This is in addition to an investigation by the Hawks after the DA formally laid charges at the SAPS concerning the Tlokwe Council adminstration and Mapethle Mapethle.
The DA commissioned the forensic audit as part of the party’s campaign against corruption during our short time in charge of the Tlokwe municipality.
Fraudulent transactions involving more than R3,2million tax payers funds relating to shares in the Mooiriver Mall is included in the investigation
“In addition, the report found Mayor Maphetle to be involved in fraudulently siphoning R300 000 from the municipality’s Poverty Relief Fund to sponsor a jazz festival” DA Tiaan Kotze said.
“Further abuse of the Disaster Management Fund by Mayor Maphetle are also documented by forensic auditors” said Kotze.
These findings indicate that Mayor Maphetle appeared to have been led by personal gain to abuse funds meant to assist impoverished residents with disasters such as shack fires said DA.
Democratic Alliance said The ANC’s Tlokwe leadership has already showed that it is not serious about fighting corruption as they have dismissed the forensic report’s findings outright. This is despite the report being handled by a reputable firm – Nexus forensic services.
“The DA trusts that the Public Protector will come to a fair conclusion about the suitability of Mr Maphetle to hold office and the ANC’s overall mismanagement of Tlokwe municipal funds” said DA.
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