By OBAKENG MAJE
Most political parties in the North West call for the removal of the newly-elected ANC ward councillor in Ditsobotla, Sibusiso Thamaga. This comes after the widespread allegations that, Thamaga was amongst three men who were arrested for stock theft on 23 December 2022.
Three men aged between 27 and 37 were arrested by police for possession of suspected stolen goods. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the arrest was executed by members of Sannieshof Stock-theft and Endangered Species (STES) unit.
Mokgwabone said, the suspects were arrested after the police searched two private dwellings in Bakerville, outside Lichtenburg.
“They found two sheep carcasses and the latter were positively identified through tattoos. They were confirmed to be part of 24 sheep allegedly stolen between 17 and 18 December 2022 on a farm in the area of Bakerville.
“The two suspects were arrested together with another man whose cellphone was found in the kraal, where the sheep were stolen. Investigation into the matter is underway and all three suspects are expected to appear before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 December 2022,” he said.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and thanked members for their efforts.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesperson in North West, Fanon Moema said, they welcome the arrest of Thamaga. Moema said, Thamaga’s arrest corroborates their contention that, ANC is responsible for creating a fertile ground for corruption in all spheres of government.
“Today, ANC ward councillor, who was elected merely 11 days ago in the by-elections is already stealing from the community as opposed to improving the socio-economic conditions.
“The reluctance of the voters in some of the wards to deal decisively with the ANC, has done more harm than good to their livelihoods. We commend the intervention of the law enforcement agencies and the whistle-blowers in this matter. We will apply ourselves fully and attentively to the developments of this case to ensure that the accused do not enjoy any impunity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in North West calls for the resignation of Thamaga. F4SD provincial secretary, Lenyatso Legabe said: “As F4SD, we are not surprised that the newly-elected ANC deployee turns out to be a thief. This is so on-brand, typical ANC and Thamaga is not an exception.
“This is the type of people the ANC offers as public representatives. Thieves and other characters of questionable reputations. We call on Thamaga to resign from the position so that residents can get an opportunity to elect someone else and hopefully this time around, the corrupt ANC will not win the seat.”
Legabe said, he expects the ANC to try and protect Thamaga, instead of making him account. He said, they know that the ANC has low accountability standards that are hardly enforced.
“Their recent national conference is proof that the party of Mandela has now evolved into a full-on criminal enterprise that chose leaders among candidates that have all sorts of allegations around them,” said Legabe.
*ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping failed to respond to our WhatsApp messages before publishing this article.
TaungDailyNews 