Potchefstroom-Corruption allegations will still loom large over the Tlokwe local council following delaying tactics in the release of a graft-busting report.

North West MEC for local government and traditional affairs Manketsi Tlhape had yesterday been expected to release findings of the report into allegations that former ANC mayor Maphetle Maphetle engaged in corrupt activities while in office.

 

He was removed from office in July after 16 ANC councillors, along with opposition members in the council, passed a motion of no-confidence against Maphetle and voted in DA councillor Prof Annette Combrink as the new mayor.

 

That was Maphetle’s second ousting from office.

 

But Tlhape revealed the report will first have to be tabled in the council in a special sitting on September 20 – two days after crucial by-elections which will pit the ANC against its former members who have registered as independent candidates.

 

This latest report by Tlhape’s department brings to two the number of reports into corruption allegations against Maphetle.

 

Combrink commissioned a report to investigate Maphetle earlier this year – during her initial brief stint as mayor.

 

The report found the council irregularly bought a R736 000 customised Mercedes-Benz for Maphetle. It recommended formal disciplinary action against the mayor and council officials.

 

The report also alleged that the mayor was involved in fraudulently siphoning R300000 from the municipality’s Poverty Relief Fund to sponsor a jazz festival.

 

But attempts were made yesterday to discredit the Nexus report commissioned by Combrink.

 

Tlhape said supply chain management processes were not followed in the commissioning of that report but that it would not be nullified.

 

An investigation into the commissioning of the Nexus report was likely, she said.

 

Seeking to lend credibility to her department’s “independent” probe into Maphetle’s conduct, Tlhape said it was imperative for her to intervene in the interests of service delivery.

 

Though the full findings will only be revealed next week, there may be misgivings that the investigations by Tlhape’s department represent a government whitewash. According to the department’s statement, there seems to have been only one finding – that “the allegations that have been levelled against the then executive mayor Maphetle are being investigated by the Hawks branch in Klerksdorp”.

 

The DA formally laid criminal charges in May with Potchefstroom police and the matter was handed to the Hawks.

 

The department would allow the Hawks to continue investigating “and will observe the processes”.

For more http://www.timelive.co.za