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Kimberley Municipal Manager Thapelo Matlala
Civic movements in Kimberley have welcomed the decision of the Sol Plaatje Municipality in the Northern Cape to place its Municipal Manager (MM), Thapelo Matlala, on precautionary suspension. This follows corruption allegations against him and allegations of interfering in supply chain processes.
Community leader Kgagamatso Motebe says even though it took the council a long time to act, they are relieved.
“The Municipal Manager is facing allegations of corruption, especially of misconduct and financial misconduct for that matter… fortunately and finally they came to their senses and that they… we are very excited that the council of Sol Plaatje has now really chosen the people over an individual.”
Political parties in the Sol Plaatje Municipal Council have mixed reactions to the outcome of their meeting.
The Democratic Alliance and the Patriotic Alliance abstained from voting.
EFF caucus leader Pontsho Mocwana says, “It must be noted that precautionary suspension must not be treated as a punitive measure. In this regard as the EFF which respects the law, we are saying let’s allow this process as a fair way to engage with the investigation and allow the council to appoint investigators.”
DA caucus leader Heinrich Pieterse says, “We cannot make an informed decision to support the decision by the ANC council to place the Municipal Manager on precautionary suspension. The reason is, at this present time, we do not have sufficient evidence nor prima facie evidence to place the Municipal Manager on leave of absence.”
VIDEO | Sol Plaatje Municipal Manager on leave amid calls for suspension:
