DA Limpopo weighs in on ANC ward 30 councillor’s arrest

ROOSSENEKAL – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has weighed in on the arrest of the ANC Ward 30 Councillor in Roossenekal, Tobias Malope for alleged extortion.

Malope was elected into the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality ward 30 councillor position following a by-election held on December 11, 2014.

Together with seven other co-accused, the ANC ward councillor was arrested for extortion involving a construction project on the R555 Road.

The DA said it welcomes the reports of his arrest on extortion allegations, which are grave and expects that he will be suspended immediately.

Nico Pienaar, DA Constituency Head for Sekhukhune district, said, “Unfortunately, such allegations are not new for ANC councillors in Limpopo, a province that has long struggled to attract investment and create job opportunities due to rampant corruption. Local ANC councillors, like Malope, hailed by the ANC as being ‘among the best to represent the best’, have usually shown more interest in personal enrichment than in addressing the needs of the struggling residents. Elias Motsoaledi Municipality has faced persistent service delivery issues, with many communities lacking access to water and job opportunities.”

Pienaar pointed out that the DA continues to fight against construction mafias and corruption at both national and local levels. “We urge the public to report any instances of extortion or intimidation to the police without delay, stated Pienaar.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Roossenekal apprehended eight male suspects aged 25 and 45, including Malope, for extortion at the construction site along the R555 Road last Thursday.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, indicated that according to information at police disposal, they received a complaint from a 54 year-old victim that he was approached by a group of individuals led by the councillor.

Thakeng said threats were made against the owner of the construction company by the group which also warned that community members were going to mobilise against the construction and hinder employees’ access to the site to continue with their work. The complaint further reported loss of undisclosed amount of cash.

“On January 9, members of the Organised Crime Investigation Unit visited the site. They successfully identified the suspects who were actively obstructing employees from performing their duties. The eight suspects were immediately arrested,” informed Thakeng.

Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) said it is aware that the newly elected ward 30 councillor, along with seven other community members, was arrested.

Simon Makua, EMLM spokesperson, said the municipality takes these allegations very seriously and are fully cooperating with the authorities involved in the investigation.

“The municipality is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability and transparency in all its operations. As the matter is now before the courts, we are unable to comment further on specifics of the case. However, we would like to reassure the community that our commitment to delivering essential services and promoting the well-being of all residents remain unchanged,” said Makua.

Thapelo Motseo

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