SEDIBENG.- uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) Sedibeng Region last week opened a case of financial misconduct against Lerato Maloka, the Executive Mayor of the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM).

Mbali Ndlovu, MKP Regional Deputy Secretary acknowledged to Sedibeng Ster that a case was opened against Maloka and dismissed claims that MKP acted in a hostile manner when notifying the municipality of the case.

“Such allegations are baseless and without merit. We wish to affirm our constitutional right to report suspected financial misconduct to the relevant authorities, as guaranteed under South African law. This includes the right to transparency, accountability, and public participation in municipal financial matters, as enshrined in the Constitution and the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).”

Importantly, Ndlovu said, “We clarify that alerting the Municipal Manager, as an accounting officer of the municipality, of a criminal case being opened against the mayor is not illegal. Citizens have the right to inform public offices of such actions as part of lawful transparency and accountability processes.”

At the time of going to print Sedibeng Ster was awaiting a response on an enquiry we made about the matter to the SDM Municipal Manager (MM).

Ndlovu called on authorities to respect and not infringe upon our legal rights as citizens to report and seek redress for any financial irregularities.

“Any attempt to suppress or intimidate whistleblowers or citizens exercising their rights will be met with firm resistance. We will not tolerate corruption or any form of financial misconduct within public institutions and remain committed to upholding accountability and integrity. We trust that our rights will be respected and that actions will be taken in accordance with the law.”

The South African Police Services (SAPS) said that a case of fraud has been opened, no one has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.