Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has asked for a special council meeting to discuss the fraud case against Matlosana Municipal Manager (MM) who was arrested over the weekend.
Executive Mayor James Tsolela is scarcely back from sick leave when he had to douse flames this week after it became known that MM Lesego Seametso (37) and her sister, Kelebogile, also an employee of the municipality, were in the dock on charges of theft, fraud, corruption and money laundering. He reacted to the incident by assuring the public that the services at the municipality will not be hampered. “We will uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and integrity in all our endeavours.’’
Cllr Tsolela returned from sick leave on Monday. Municipal spokesperson Ntswaki Makgetha confirmed that the MM did not return to the office after appearing in court and is on leave.
Capt Lloyd Ramovha, spokesperson of the Hawks in Gauteng, said the sisters appeared in court on Monday June 3 following a Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigation implicated them as having benefited from municipal funds.
“A case was registered at Klerksdorp police station in May wherein it is reported that tender irregularities amounting to R3 million were identified within the municipality. The period in question spans from 28 March 2022 to 30 August 2023.
“Amongst other flagged transactions, the funds were reportedly used to purchase a house through a family trust account on which the MM is the co-signatory.’’
The sisters were each released on bail of R20 000 and R10 000 respectively. The case was postponed to August 2 for further investigation. Lentswe was told that more arrests might follow.
DA Caucus Leader, Cllr Johannes le Grange said the allegations against the MM are very serious and should be dealt with that way. “That is why we asked a special meeting within 48 hours to get answers on the allegations of misconduct by the MM. A well-known law firm and one of council’s service providers are also believed to be in contention in this case and we need answers. The community needs to know íf there is a conflict of interest.”
