Police spokesperson, Loraine Earle, confirmed that a case of culpable homicide is being investigated. 

“The accident in question took place on Sunday 21 May 2023 on the R59 near Parys. We can assure the community that all available information will be followed up and included in the docket,” she added. It seems at the moment no arrests have been made. The municipality also confirmed that it is aware of the accident in question. 

“The municipality, through the Office of the Executive Mayor, is in constant contact with all the affected parties, particularly the grieving family of the deceased,” read the statement.

The mayor’s driver was indeed driving when the accident in question occurred. “We are offering support to the driver assigned to transport the mayor. The driver is traumatised by the unfortunate incident. The municipality commits itself to working closely with the family throughout the period and beyond. 

“We fully cooperate with the relevant law enforcement agencies to assist with the investigation.” 

An appeal has been made by the municipality to the community to allow the authorities space to investigate the matter to its conclusion.

ALSO READ: FS mayor's official vehicle involved in accident

“We further call on public members to desist from making ill-informed and reckless comments regarding this unfortunate incident. They must please demonstrate compassion for the family that lost a loved member,” the statement concluded.

The official vehicle of the Ngwathe local municipality’s mayor, Victoria De Beer-Mthombeni, was allegedly involved in the fatal accident. PHOTO: Facebook

The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) released a statement stating their surprise at how the Office of the Mayor is handling the accident. “We are, however, surprised that the Office of the Executive Mayor has not issued any communication regarding this.” This was the situation at the time. 

The statement details that they have noticed the Mayor is no longer using her official car. She is, however, using a car of an employee, Harry Mofokeng. Mofokeng’s car, according to the organisation, has been fitted with blue lights.

The questions mounted when the municipality kept quiet about the accident. The accident occurred on 21 May. Sanco learned about the accident and released a statement on 25 May 2023, and the Ngwathe Local Municipality only released a statement on 29 May 2023.

In February 2022, another mayor’s official car was involved in an accident. OFM News learned at the time that the SUV Mercedes – which was allegedly involved in the said accident involving a white SUV – is designated to the cash-strapped Trompsburg-based Kopanong mayor, Xolani Tseletsele. He has since roped in lawyers to handle the matter in question.

OFM News has, however, reliably learned that the Mercedes was allegedly driven by a woman. OFM News understands that the accident occurred on Sunday 13 February 2022. In an effort to elicit a response about the allegation, an advocate representing the mayor in question told OFM News that they are representing the Kopanong mayor and have been given instructions to handle all questions.

OFM News