Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed serious concern over what they describe as “continued instability” within the Matlosana Municipality administration. According to a statement by the party, internal power struggles between the Municipal Manager, Lesego Seametso, and the Financial Manager, Mercy Mpetla, are seriously impacting municipal functioning and service delivery. This comes on the heels of the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit raiding service providers of the municipality in an investigation into Mpetla’s involvement in fraud and corruption in the city council. DA Cllr Johannes le Grange argues that these developments confirm allegations of preferential treatment to certain service providers. He also questions Mpetla’s alleged refusal to cooperate with the Municipal Public Accounts Committee in an investigation into irregular spending related to service provider, Variegated.
“Furthermore, there are allegations that she attempted to intimidate other officials, including the Speaker, to prevent matters regarding her actions from being brought before the Council,” he said. He described it as a “complete breakdown of accountability and governance” within the municipality.
In their statement, the DA called for Mpetla’s access to municipal banking and payment systems to be restricted pending the outcome of the investigations. Le Grange further said that the mayor, Fekile Mahlope, should suspend her to enable an independent investigation.
