Cllr Malope faces second charge in ongoing extortion cases
ROOSSENEKAL
Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Ward 30 Councillor, Tobias Malope, who was arrested earlier this month on alleged extortion charges committed on the R555 Road project in Roossenekal and later released on bail, was arrested again for a second charge of separate extortion case.
The second arrest was confirmed by Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
According to Ledwaba, the on-bail Councillor Malope was arrested for the second time on 26 January 2025 after a local mining company opened another extortion case against him.
“He was charged and appeared before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday 27 January 2025 and he was remanded in custody and he will appear again on Thursday 30 January 2025 to apply for bail,” said Ledwaba.
In the previous case of extortion, Malope and his seven co-accused were granted R2000-00 bail each during their appearance at Groblersdal Magistrates Court on 13 January 2025.
Malope was elected EMLM Ward 30 councillor during the by-election held in December 2024.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Sekhukhune Region has called for the African National Congress (ANC) to respect the voters of ward 30 by implementing the step-aside policy.
“This is their policy which they have adopted and Councillor Malope must respect the oath that he took in December last year and resign with immediate effect,” said EFF Chairperson in Sekhukhune Region, Ali Maloba.
Maloba said the party received reports alleging that the newly sworn-in councillor immediately after being elected, he went straight to the local mine to demanded kick-backs and job opportunities.
“Unfortunately, the mine management refused and together with the former councillor instructed the mine management to temporarily close the mine of which the mine complied and did exactly that,” explained Maloba.
EMLM Spokesperson, Simon Makua, said the municipality is aware that the newly elected Ward 30 Councillor, along with other community members, were arrested.
“As the matter is now before the courts, we are unable to comment further on the specifics of the case at this time. However, we would like to reassure the community that our commitment to delivering essential services and promoting the well-being of all residents remains unchanged,” informed Makua.
He said the local municipality will continue to provide updates when more information about the case emerges.
