Picture: The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) calls for the removal of ‘incompetent’ municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe. This comes after the embattled Gaoraelwe, crashed the municipality’s R700 00 luxury BMW X3 on Sunday again.
It is alleged that Gaoraelwe was involved in an accident during the day on 30 June 2024 and later on, staged a shooting incident as a cover-up. The DA councillor, Sam Nape said Gaoraelwe crashed numerous municipal vehicles and it is inacceptable to see this kind of behaviour from him.
“What really happened is debauched. You will remember that we have been cranky about the misuse of the municipal vehicles by Gaoraelwe. This is not the first time he crashed the same vehicle. Gaoraelwe also crashed other municipal vehicles belonging to different units.
“What is upsetting is that all these vehicles were bought with taxpayers’ money. There are allegations that the shooting incident that he was involved in, was staged to cover-up the actual accident,” he said.
Nape further said according to the allegations, Gaoraelwe called his ‘friends’ and instructed them to shoot the municipal vehicle to make it look like there was an attempt to hijack him. He added that, however, there are those who allegedly saw everything and have confessed.
“They alleged that they were instructed by Gaoraelwe to shoot the vehicle and staged a shooting incident. So, we call on the law enforcement agencies to do their job diligently and get to the bottom of this.
“They should engage those who allegedly confessed and take their statements. Truly speaking, Gaoraelwe is incompetent and does not qualify to be the mayor. We have been raising this issue, but the ANC dismally failed the people of Taung by not listening. However, we hope this time around they will listen and do the right thing by removing him,” said Nape.
He said as a mayor, one needs to have integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, morals and other leadership qualities, which are lacking from Gaoraelwe.
Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Mika Moeti shared the same sentiments. Moeti said the ANC is facing a mammoth task ahead.
“Gaoraelwe, who is known for damaging municipal vehicles repeatedly with reckless driving, has done it again. There are unconfirmed allegations that he was involved in an accident on Sunday with the same expensive municipal vehicle and he staged attempted robbery.
“The number one citizen of the Greater Taung, should know better that making a false statement is perjury and punishable by competent court of law. Yes, a case of attempted murder is under investigation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “Gaoralwe was driving his vehicle at around 23:30 on 30 June 2024, in Khibicwane village, near Taung when he realised that he was being followed by another vehicle. While driving, he heard gunshots, then lost control of the vehicle, which eventually collided with a gate.
“The victim allegedly jumped out and fled. Consequently, four bullet holes were found on the victim’s vehicle. He was not injured and no one has been arrested thus far. So, anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Boingotlo Tokwe on Cell: 082 469 0241.”
*The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our media inquiry before publishing the article. The response of the municipality will be incorporated in the article when received.
The Guardian 