Picture: The luxury BMW X3 belonging to the GTLM taken in for repair/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The luxury BMW X3 that was bought for the disgraced Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, will cost the taxpayers over R234 000 to repair. The vehicle is currently taken in for repair at Forsmans Auto Body Repairs in Potchefstroom after allegations that, it was damaged by Gaoraelwe’s wife.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) calls for the removal of Gaoraelwe as a mayor. The EFF whip, Amogelang Matuane said the BMW X3 was bought for R700 000, but it has already cost the municipality almost the same amount of money to repair.
Last year, the municipality forked out R250 000 to fix the vehicle after the ‘drunk’ Gaoraelwe crashed it during the accident.
“We are going to take this matter up because we heard that, the vehicle was driven by the mayor’s wife to Kimberley in Northern Cape. This vehicle is not used by the mayor but by his wife. We understand that the mayor drives a bakkie that belongs to the Community Services Unit.
“We have raised issues on that matter during the council. We have also received complaints from the Community Service Unit that, they cannot fulfill their functions because they have no transportation. The BMW X3 is too expensive for nothing because it was bought for the mayor’s wife,” she said.
Matuane further said actually, they want Gaoraelwe to resign because he is irresponsible and does not have the interests of the municipality at heart. She added that, they do not think that Gaoraelwe is not fit to lead the municipality.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, Sam Nape said it is very disappointing to see all these happening. Nape said he feels like this matter should be taken up on a serious note.
“Look, I think we should also involve external agencies because the ANC councillors continue to protect the mayor through votes. They downplay the mayor’s shenanigans and do not hold him accountable.
“It is too much now and if it is true, we do not have Gaoraelwe’s wife as the mayor. So, it is not acceptable that, the mayor’s wife drives the official municipal vehicle,” he said.
Azanian Independent Community Movement (AICM) councillor, Tebogo Monchonyane said they only heard those allegations, but they were not formally informed as municipal council. Monchonyane said if there is any truth to the matter, they will table a motion of no confidence against Gaoraelwe.
According to the tracker’s log report depicting a vehicle registration number: KRP 922 NW, shows that, on 11 July 2023, the BMWX 3 allegedly left for Kuruman. On 12 July 2023, the vehicle left for Kimberly and it was recorded in Wolmaranstad later on.
On 18 July 2023, the tracker records allegedly show the BMW X3 leaving Taung to Kimberley. On 11 August 2023, the tracker records allegedly show the BMW X3 leaving Kimberley and breaking down at Uranianville.
However, in the letter dated 20 August 2023 and submitted to the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), Gaoraelwe said:
“In the morning of 16 July 2023, the information screen of the vehicle in question was displaying information that reads: “Check control, drivetrain, you can continue driving. Roadside assistance not required, drive power reduced, have the problem checked by your service partner.”
“I then later reported the concerning matter that day to the acting Fleet Manager, who then booked the vehicle to be assessed at BMW in Kimberley.”
He said the vehicle was taken to BMW on 18 July 2023. Gaoraelwe said that, after mechanical assessment, it was discovered that some hard substance could have damaged the vehicle underneath and subsequently made some bolts loose.
“It was only at this time that, I was made aware that there could have been damage to the vehicle without my knowledge. Also, indicated to the mechanical personnel that I personally do not have any recollection of the damage,” he said.
*The incompetent Greater Taung Local Municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant did not bother to respond to the media inquiry sent to him.
The Guardian 