Tshwane ANC leaders charged

“Financial resources of the city were fraudulently used to boost the electoral fortunes of the corrupt ANC.”

September 9, 2016

Gopolang Chawane 2 minutes read

EFF members outside the Pretoria Central police station. Photo: supplied.

The EFF laid charges of corruption and fraud against the former Tshwane ANC leadership on Thursday.

These were aimed against former mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa and the metro’s communication, marketing and events officials.

The docket was opened at Pretoria Central police station.

The EFF alleged the metro used city-owned billboards to promote the ANC ahead of the 2016 local elections.

Tshwane EFF chairperson Councillor Benjamin Disoloane said the billboards were rented and paid for by the city.

He said three weeks before the elections, they were used to advertise the ANC and had Jacob Zuma’s face on them with the tagline, logo and colours of the ANC.

“Financial resources of the city were fraudulently used to boost the electoral fortunes of the corrupt and useless ANC in their dismal bid to win the city again,” the EFF said in a statement.”

“The EFF in Tshwane will continue to uncover all corruption, fraud and maladministration that took place during the previous administration and hold the current city administration accountable.”

Disoloane said the billboards were meant for council campaigns and the EFF was told the billboards were already booked by council.

“We assumed the billboards were booked by council but during the elections we found the ANC was advertising with Zuma’s face on them.”

Disoloane said the EFF had reason to believe council funds were used to campaign for the opposition party.

“We want this matter investigated as money from the municipality may have been used.”

He said EFF fighters were disappointed at the service they received at Pretoria Central police station.

Disoloane said he waited close to five hours to be helped and the officers initially claimed the EFF had no case and officers had to go to court to get approval from the prosecutor.

Pretoria Central police confirmed a docket was opened at the station and acting provincial police head Colonel Noxolo Kweza said the matter was handed to the Hawks.

When asked why the matter was handed to the Hawks, Kweza said: “I cannot offer further comment.”

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani was in a two-hour meeting at the time of publishing.

On Wednesday, mayor Solly Msimanga laid charges of fraud, corruption and misuse of municipal funds by officials of the previous Tshwane administration at the Brooklyn police station.