Picture: The vehicle that GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe was allegedly driving/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tumisang Gaoraelwe allegedly involved in a car accident again. It is alleged that, on 26 September 2023, Gaoraelwe borrowed a Polo vehicle belonging to his official personal driver and went to Mahikeng for personal reasons.
Gaoraelwe who was allegedly drunk, bumped a driver (39) of a Toyota Hilux bakkie from behind. The North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the accident was reported to them.
“Yes, the case was reported to the police and there is an accident report. There were no blood samples taken because no criminal case was opened,” he said.
It is also alleged that Gaoraelwe ordered his official personal driver to go and pick him up in Mahikeng, using the official municipal vehicle. On 25 September 2023, Gaoraelwe allegedly damaged the engine of the municipal bakkie, while in Bloemfontein.
He was allegedly picked up by a municipal employee also using an official municipal vehicle.
There are allegations that Gaoraelwe continues to misuse the municipal vehicles and does as he pleases without any accountability. Last year, Gaoraelwe has involved in an accident just 10km outside Schweizer Reneke, where he damaged the municipality’s luxury BMW X3 worth R750 000.
Gaoraelwe then allegedly took the municipal vehicle, Isuzu Double Cab belonging to the Community Safety unit and used it. However, later on, it was allegedly found out that, the bakkie was actually being used by his wife who resides in Carletonville, Gauteng Province.
The BMW X3 was eventually repaired almost eight months after the accident to the tune of R280 000. It was handed back to Gaoraelwe on 7 July 2023, however, it was damaged again a few months later. It is alleged that Gaoraelwe’s wife was constantly using the BMW X3 and she was behind the wheel when it was damaged.
Meanwhile, Gaoraelwe was expected to meet with protesting Itireleng residents over the construction of the 2.5km paved road to the tune of R10 million but failed. The residents of Itireleng are currently up in arms and demanding the construction of the road.
The municipal spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our questions at the time of publishing the article. The response will be incorporated in the article once received.
The Guardian 