EZINQOLENI Municipality has denied that the R30 000 it paid to the family of a man allegedly knocked down and killed by the mayor was a ‘bribe’ to keep quiet.
Mayor Amon Makhosezwe Mpisi was apparently driving himself in the mayoral SUV on the N2 near Harding last Wednesday night when pedestrian Sifiso Mqadi (43) was struck.
The Herald was contacted by people who claimed that the family had been approached to keep quiet and were promised R30 000 towards Mr Mqadi’s funeral expenses.
They were angry and demanded that the mayor own up and face the music.
Police spokesman Captain Gerald Mfeka confirmed that Mr Mqadi had been killed and said a case of culpable homicide had been opened.
Municipal spokesman Thulani Sithole also confirmed that the council had agreed to pay the money to the family.
“As the municipality, we are only trying to assist the family as we understand that this tragedy was caused by a municipal vehicle.
“We are not covering up anything and the mayor is the one who reported the matter to the police. We believe we are doing the right thing,” he said
He also denied that there was any rule against the mayor driving a municipal vehicle.
