Opposition legislators in Mangaung claim the African National Congress prevented debate over allegations against municipal Speaker Bongani Mathae during a recent council session. The Democratic Alliance said on Monday it will ask the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs portfolio to examine whether procedural rules were violated when the governing party blocked consideration of a confidence vote. Councillor Dirk Kotze stated the chairperson of the oversight committee failed to follow proper guidelines, allowing partisan interests to determine the outcome.
Mathae and his wife, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, face a criminal investigation over accusations they accepted expensive automobiles and payments exceeding 2 million rand connected to road construction contracts. The Hawks' investigative unit forwarded evidence to prosecutors more than a year after businessman Patrick Phuti filed complaints, but no charges have been announced. Advocacy group Integrity Watch Free State demanded that authorities explain the delays and requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa begin disciplinary action. The Economic Freedom Fighters filed separate criminal complaints against the couple and plan their own no-confidence measure against the premier.
Mathae and his wife, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, face a criminal investigation over accusations they accepted expensive automobiles and payments exceeding 2 million rand connected to road construction contracts. The Hawks' investigative unit forwarded evidence to prosecutors more than a year after businessman Patrick Phuti filed complaints, but no charges have been announced. Advocacy group Integrity Watch Free State demanded that authorities explain the delays and requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa begin disciplinary action. The Economic Freedom Fighters filed separate criminal complaints against the couple and plan their own no-confidence measure against the premier.
