The FF Plus in Limpopo welcomes the steps taken by the Provincial Legislature against the former Waterberg District Secretary (ANC), Tolly Mashamaite, who is facing criminal charges for alleged corruption and fraud at the Mogalakwena Local Municipality (Mokopane/Potgietersrus).
After six years of constant pressure from the FF Plus in Limpopo, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation in 2021, authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the Municipality.
In the FF Plus’s view, the Legislature’s consequent decision to demote Mashamaite from his role as Chair of Chairs to ordinary Member of the Provincial Legislature, pending the outcome of the preliminary trial, is a step in the right direction.
The charges of alleged corruption against Mashamaite and 28 others relate to tender irregularities and fraud.
Mogalakwena has lost approximately R15 million, and has been plagued by poor service delivery, wastage and the misappropriation of public funds for years.
Joining Mashamaite are the former Mayor of the Mogalakwena Local Municipality (Potgietersrus), Andrina Matsemela, and Nkadi Mabusela who will stand trial on criminal charges relating to 121 charges of corruption, three of money laundering and conspiracy to commit corruption between 2016 and 2019.
The accused will appear before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Polokwane on 7 October 2022 again.
The FF Plus will keep a close eye on the ensuing legal steps and will make sure that any losses suffered by the Municipality are recovered.
Read the original article in Afrikaans by Marcelle Maritz on FF Plus
