Ms Elizabeth Skhosana (43) said living in ward 29 at Empumelelweni has been nothing but hell.
She is not the only one but other community members have serious allegations directed at the ward councillor.
On Sunday, August 6 Cllr Timothy Lukhele’s vehicle was burned by unknown people, Ms Skhosana together with other five suspects were arrested in the case. They were later released after the magistrate found no evidence to prosecute.
Ms Skhosana explained that actions leading to their arrest left many questions.
“We were arrested one by one and police used many vans just to arrest six people. We were charged for malicious damage to property and arson. We felt let down by the police because we were not given a chance of explaining what happened during the meeting just before the vehicle was burned. I tried to explain that I was also assaulted by the very same Cllr Lukhele but I was not given a chance to do so,” Ms Skhosana said
Ms Busisiwe Princess Mashiane (25) who died at the hospital a few hours after her mother was arrested and later released.
She further added that she explained to the police that she had a sickly daughter and explained that she needed to take care of her. She asked for a free bail but it was allegedly denied. Ms Skhosana indicated that she had a nightmare at the cells as she was concerned about her sick daughter.
“The conduct of the police officers left us with many questions and we were badly treated. When we were released after a night at the cells, I was told that my first born daughter has been admitted at the hospital and she was critically ill. She unfortunately passed away. My son Vusi Mashiane was also assaulted by Cllr Lukhele when he asked about my assault,” Ms Skhosana further said.
It is also alleged that Cllr Lukhele also threatened a member of the community who video recorded Ms Skhosana’s assault and was allegedly told to delete it.
The burned Councillor Timothy Lukhele’s van which was burned by unknown people. Six people were arrested and later released.
Brigadier Lenard Hlathi indicated that there are presently six cases opened against Cllr Lukhele and further stated that cluster commander General William Kekena has reached a consensus ruling regarding the cases. He has also made a call to community members to come forward with allegations to have a relook at the cases as part of the process.
Brigadier Hlathi further added to say that Cllr Lukhele has also opened cases against some community members.
Brigadier Hlathi also explained that they have also received allegations that Cllr Lukhele was dishing out RDP houses to police officers in his ward.
“We have invited community members who have tangible evidence on the allegations to come forward so that together with the municipality those cases can be investigated. There are reasons that police officers can own RDP houses, however if they get them fraudulently that needs to be investigated,” added Brigadier Hlathi.
Cllr Lukhele denied all the allegations directed towards him and said there were witnesses during the meeting and can testify against that.
Ms Mashiane’s funeral was held on Saturday, August 20
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