The silver Toyota Fortuner was reportedly written off. According to an eyewitness, the speaker’s personal assistant was allegedly driving the vehicle, accompanied by an unknown female civilian passenger.

The vehicle reportedly rolled several times. Both occupants sustained injuries.

The DA has called on the MEC to conduct a comprehensive probe. It will demand clarity on who was behind the wheel and whether proper procedures were followed, said DA Letsemeng constituency head David MacKay, “as well as into the management and oversight of the municipal fleet”.

Letsemeng speaker’s municipal car was written off in an accident. Photo: supplied 

“If (the allegations are) confirmed, it would constitute a serious misuse of public resources. This may trigger legal liability and disciplinary consequences under South African law, specifically the Municipal Systems Act (No. 32 of 2000), as well as under standard municipal fleet management policies.”

Accountability must extend to those directly involved should the investigation confirm the personal assistant was driving the vehicle, said MacKay.

The vehicle reportedly rolled several times. Photo supplied 

“Furthermore, should the investigation confirm the PA was indeed the driver, he must be held liable for damages to the municipal vehicle and any third-party property. 

“He should also face disciplinary action for the unauthorised use of a municipal vehicle, potential negligence, and violation of the municipal code of conduct.”

The speaker must also be held responsible if policies governing the use of municipal senior management vehicles were breached. 

“If it is proven that he authorised or sanctioned the unauthorised use of the vehicle, he may also be held liable for the resulting damages. In addition, he should face appropriate sanctions from the municipal council, including possible removal from office or referral to the public protector for investigation. 

Abuse of public funds

“The use of municipal resources for political party activities constitutes an abuse of public funds,” he said.

The DA will formally engage the provincial department of Cogta by submitting internal legislative questions in the Legislature. “We will also monitor the official investigation by the police into possible reckless driving and any alleged attempt to conceal the circumstances of the accident.”

 No official statement has been issued by Letsemeng regarding the incident.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News dg