The leader of the DA in JB Marks, Chris Hattingh, chastises the ANC for not holding Khumalo to account for alleged maladministration and rampant corruption at the municipality, which includes Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp. Hattingh’s lashing comes as Khumalo, former acting Mayor Cyril Henry, and caretaker Mohau Shuping are each facing eight fraud and theft charges in connection with R5 million that was placed in a trust account intended for the municipality.

It is alleged that the funds in the trust, which according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) were donated by the “North West University (NWU) and the Programme for Community Development” for the municipality’s special projects, ended up in the bank accounts of the accused. 

The trio stands accused of falsifying invoices, making it appear that the unlawful payments were for services rendered. Hattingh, on the back of this, argues Khumalo managed to survive three motion of confidence votes against him, thanks to the ANC and despite the corruption allegations levelled against him. Meanwhile, the ANC has stated they believe in the constitutional rights of individuals to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Khumalo, Henry, and Shuping will reappear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate's Court on 1 December. All three accused have been warned to stay away from the municipality’s offices, pending further investigations against them. They have also been instructed not to contact any witnesses while the investigations continue.

More arrests in the matter are expected.

OFM News