The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Sedibeng has welcomed a council resolution to request the suspension of Sedibeng Executive Mayor Lerato Maloka, pending a disciplinary investigation into alleged misconduct.

According to a statement by DA Sedibeng caucus leader Cllr Sibusiso Dyonase, council resolved to write to Gauteng MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, calling for Maloka’s immediate suspension.

Maloka is accused of negligence in her duties, with the DA highlighting her alleged role in the wasteful expenditure of over R500,000 on a trip to Germany involving other municipal officials. The statement also references a controversial incident involving the mayoral vehicle, in which sugar was reportedly found in the engine after the mayor was compelled to use the R490,000 car.

Dyonase criticised Maloka for giving a press interview behind closed doors while council debated her future. During the media briefing, Maloka reportedly called for a Section 106 investigation into alleged maladministration in her administration and claimed she was the target of a smear campaign.

The DA maintains that the issues raised by the mayor occurred under her leadership and cannot be dismissed as political attacks.

“The DA proudly adds its voice to the call – suspend mayor Maloka and conduct a speedy disciplinary investigation,” Dyonase concluded.

Maloka, however, has written to MEC Jacob Mamabolo requesting an independent investigation under Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act. In her letter, she alleges that the municipal manager is orchestrating a smear campaign against her and has called for the MEC to probe irregular appointments, inflated salaries, and dubious procurement processes within the municipality.