Probe ex-mayor’s car, says DA

SOUTH AFRICA POLITICS: DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE: Juanita Terblanche, DA Whip. Picture: Niki McQueen

SOUTH AFRICA POLITICS: DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE: Juanita Terblanche, DA Whip. Picture: Niki McQueen

Published Feb 4, 2013

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Tlokwe - A forensic audit should be conducted into the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz for the Tlokwe Municipality's former mayor, the DA said on Monday.

"The DA will ask the Auditor General to look into this transaction and recommend ways for the exorbitant cost to be recouped so that money can be channelled to delivery projects in Tlokwe instead," said Democratic Alliance MP Juanita Terblanche.

She said the vehicle, which cost R760 000 had not yet been delivered to the municipality because "luxury customisations" had yet to be installed.

Terblanche said the vehicle was bought for the use of former mayor Maphetle Maphetle.

Maphetle was replaced by the DA's Annette Combrink in November after warring factions within the ANC filed a motion of no confidence in him.

The DA continues to run the Tlokwe Municipality, even though the  ANC is pushing for Maphetle's reinstatement.

In January, the ANC North West said it would not rest until it reclaimed the leadership of the municipality.

Combrink uses her personal car, a Volkswagen Jetta, to fulfil her mayoral duties.

The municipality confirmed it had approved the purchase of the new car.

"There is nothing untoward with the matter as the item was budgeted for under the 2011/2012 (budget), that was passed in a full council session and (to) which (the) DA never raised any whimper of objection or displeasure," said spokesman William Maphosa.

He said Maphetle had been using a vehicle which had been used by  three mayors before him.

ANC Chief Whip Dakota Legoete said it was standard council procedure to continually renew its fleet of vehicles.

"If their mayor wants to drive her Jetta, we welcome that and applaud her, but they must stop making unfounded insinuations." Legoete also welcomed the DA's call for the investigation. - Sapa

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