By OBAKENG MAJE
The small scale farmers in Taung are up in arms and demand that the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono release the alleged forensic report that implicates many politicians over the ‘illegal’ leasing of Lesedi Building Storage facility.
One of the farmers, Aobakwe Gaobuse alleged that some politicians conspired with the departmental officials and hijacked the building, before illegally leasing it to unsuspecting tenants. The agitated Gaobuse said the storage facility was built during the former homeland, Bophuthatswana government to be utilised by small scale farmers.
“As the small scale farmers in Taung, we lack proper storage facilities and this has severely affected our businesses. Our products deteriorate before it could even reach the consumer because of some shenanigans taking place here.
“Currently, some government officials are outsourcing this facility and swindling money from unsuspecting tenants. What is inconsolable is that, there was an investigation conducted to probe the matter. We understand that the forensic investigation was completed and its results were handed over to the office of the MEC,” he said.
Gaobuse alleged that Mohono refuses to release the report for public scrutiny because it implicates many politicians who have been involved in corrupt activities. He further said, they want the report to be made public so that they can lay criminal charges against those involved.
“We have given those who occupied the facilities an ultimatum. They need to vacate the facility or else. These unbecoming actions have affected many local farmers. We want to see our co-operatives properly functioning and growing.
“To all those tenants, who have been occupying this facility, they are doing so illegally. Now, we want to utilise this facility, so they should vacate them. Again, there was a former Chief Director from the department, who illegally leased this building for over 20 years and swindled money from unsuspecting tenants. Unfortunately, he resigned after being implicated in the forensic report,” said Gaobuse.
However, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako refuted these allegations and described them as absurd. Setlhako said the department is not coercing any farmer to pay rent for the storage.
“None of the individuals currently utilising the storage facility are paying rent to the department. There is no rental money being paid into the department’s official account, unless being paid illegally to some individuals outside or within the department without our knowledge.
“If this is truly happening, then individuals with that information should come forward to substantiate these allegations. As far as the department is concerned, there was no forensic investigation conducted and anyone with information regarding this allegation, is free to approach us and furnish details pertaining to the investigation in question,” she said.
Setlhako said any evidence to substantiate these allegations should be forwarded to the department to investigate.
The Guardian 