Hawks must continue Maphetle probe: MEC

 

The Hawks should be allowed to continue investigating allegations against former Tlokwe mayor Maphetle Maphetle, North West local government MEC Mamketse Tlhape said on Thursday.

 

"The allegations that have been levelled against the then executive mayor Maphetle Maphetle are being investigated by the Hawks branch in Klerksdorp," Tlhape said in a statement.

 

"The department recommends that law enforcement agencies be allowed to continue with their investigations and the department observe the processes."

 

The Democratic Alliance asked for a forensic probe into irregularities at the municipality last year.

 

This found that the council irregularly bought Maphetle a R736,000 customised Mercedes-Benz. Maphetle also allegedly abused the Disaster Management Fund and Poverty Relief Fund.

 

The report recommended that formal disciplinary action be taken against him and other officials.

 

In May, the DA laid criminal charges against Maphetle, and in June, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said she would investigate the claims of corruption involving Maphetle.

 

Tlhape said her department also instituted an inquiry into the allegations, in line with its general support mandate.

 

She said the team probing the matter had concluded its investigation after interviewing a number of officials in the Tlokwe municipality.

 

"For obvious reasons, as government we could not just fold our arms and turn a blind eye and pretend as if things were normal.

 

"Our interest as government was to ensure that service delivery was not compromised," Tlhape said.

 

The Tlokwe municipality is currently being run by DA mayor Annette Combrink.

 

- Sapa