By OBAKENG MAJE
A corruption case against the City of Matlosana’s MPAC chairperson, Merriam Methi (49) and her son, Tshegofatso Mosiako (20) was postponed to 9 November 2023 by the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The duo was arrested by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation in Klerksdorp on 23 August 2023 after allegedly soliciting a bribe from a certain service provider. According to the Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Col Tinyiko Mathebula, In January 2023, Methi allegedly consulted a particular service provider in Klerksdorp, where she introduced herself as the chairperson of MPAC in the City of Matlosana.
“The complainant allegedly told her that he had trucks that could be utilised for refuse removal and for her to inform him when tenders are advertised by the municipality for him to bid, and she allegedly obliged.
“In March 2023, the suspect reportedly met with the complainant, where she told him that his business partner was awarded a tender by the municipality to collect refuse. It is further alleged that she told the complainant that she knows he has rented his trucks to his business partner and is also benefiting from the tender,” he said.
Mathebula further said the complainant was allegedly given an ultimatum to pay the suspect an amount of R50 000, failure to do so will result in the contract being cancelled, with no chance of renewal.
He added that, the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team received information about the payment arrangement, which the suspect had reached with the complainant.
“An arranged entrapment was set to catch Methi and Mosiako in the act of committing an offence. They were arrested soon after being paid R30 000 in cash by the complainant,” said Mathebula.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the corruption case against Methi and her son, Mosiako was postponed to 9 November 2023, for further investigations.
“Methi was granted R15 000 bail, while Mosiako was granted R1000 bail. They were ordered not to have any direct or indirect contact with the complainant, and to inform the investigating officer should there be a change in their home address.”
Meanwhile, the Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in North West said it is both surprised and shocked by the arrest Methi. The F4SD provincial chairperson, Sechaba Sekhoto said: “As the organisation, we are deeply committed to transparency, good governance, and the rule of law. So, F4SD wishes to make it abundantly clear that, we distance ourselves unequivocally from any form of improper or illegal behaviour.
“This stance holds especially true when it comes to office bearers, who are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. We understand that, these are allegations at this stage and that due process must be followed.”
Sekhoto said, however, that they affirm their steadfast belief in the principles of justice and accountability. He added that F4SD is awaiting the outcome of the legal processes and is prepared to take appropriate action based on the findings.
“We urge all concerned parties to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations, and we commend the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for their vigilance in tackling corruption.
“For a nation to thrive, public trust in its institutions must be maintained. F4SD continues to advocate for responsible governance and remains committed to serving the community in line with our core values and principles,” said Sekhoto.
The Guardian 