By OBAKENG MAJE
The Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in North West said it is both surprised and shocked by the arrest of the City of Matlosana’s Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) chairperson and her son. Two suspects aged 49 and 20 were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team for corruption in Klerksdorp on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, in January 2023, the suspect allegedly approached the service provider in Klerksdorp, where she allegedly introduced herself as a Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in the local municipality.
“The complainant allegedly told the woman to inform him when tenders are advertised by the municipality. She allegedly told the complainant that she would see what to do. In March 2023, the suspect reportedly had a meeting 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 is aware that he has rented his trucks to his business partner and that he is also benefiting from the tender. The complainant was allegedly given an ultimatum to pay the suspect R100 000 or the contract will be cancelled and never renewed,” said Mathebula.
He further said the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team received information about the payment arrangement, which the suspect had reached with the complainant. Mathebula added that the suspect and her son were arrested soon after being paid R30 000 in cash by the complainant.
“They have been charged with corruption and will appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 24 August 2023,” he said.
Meanwhile, 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 further 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 