Calls for MEC to step aside amid fraud charges

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ActionSA has called for Free State Social Development MEC, to be relieved of her government duties until her criminal case has been finalised.

Motshidisi Koloi together with a political advisor to the Matjhabeng local municipality, and a chief director appeared at the Kroonstad magistrate court on Friday.

This follows their arrest on Thursday by members of the Hawks’ serious corruption investigation based in Bloemfontein.

The matter is linked to a 2017 incident when the MEC was still the executive mayor.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, the trio colluded to take over R150 000 belonging to Moqhaka local municipality.

“This was under the guise that the money would be spent on a sound system to be used during a Nelson Mandela memorial lecture.

“This event never took place despite money having been transacted out of the municipal bank account,” Col Mohobeleli stated.

Patricia Kopane, ActionSA provincial chairperson said; “The scale of corruption in our country has cost us dearly, without the pervasive corruption hollowing out our state institutions, South Africa’s development would have been at a significantly more advanced stage.

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“This is the reason why corruption should be treated as public enemy number one and South Africa must have a zero tolerance approach to any and all corruption.

“This was decided by over 600 delegates at our policy conference last month”.