Embattled Free State MEC of Social Development Motshidisi Agnes Koloi (52) has resigned from her position following allegation of corruption. Premier Mxolisi Dukwana announced the resignation today, welcoming Koloi’s resignation from the Free State executive council.
Koloi’s resignation follows her indictment along with two other accused, Serake Joseph Leeuw (62) and Vusimuzi Rajuili (54), relating to allegation of defrauding the Moqhaka Local Municipality of R150 000. The alleged crime reportedly occurred during her tenure as the executive mayor in Moqhaka in 2017.
Political parties have called for Koloi’s resignation immediately after the news broke about her arrest for corruption. The trio face charges of fraud, money laundering, and contravention of the Municipal Management Act.
Sello Dithebe, spokesperson for Dukwana, says the premier has thanked Koloi for her service to government and the people of the province, further stressing the importance of the rule of law.
“The Free State government will continue to collaborate with our criminal justice system, to turn the tide against malfeasance and corruption, whenever it occurs by whosoever it is committed, “ says Dithebe. He says Dukwana has appointed Thabo Meeko, MEC for Small Business and Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, to act as the MEC for Social Development in the interim.
Koloi, together with Leeuw and Rajuili, appeared in the Kroonstad Magistrates’ Court on 13 October following their arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team a day before. The case is the culmination of the investigations by the elite crime fighting wing. Leeuw is the former executive mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipal, while Rajuili is the chief director for Human Settlement Programme.
“It is alleged that the trio worked in cahoots to take over R150 000 under the pretext that it would be used for a sound system during a Nelson Mandela memorial lecture. This event never took place despite money being paid,” said Lt. Col Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson of the Hawks.
Rajuili and Koloi were released on bail of R10 000 each, while Leeuw was granted bail of R5 000.
Mohobeleli said part of their bail conditions are that they must not contact state witnesses, directly or indirectly, and they must not interfere with the investigations. He said the matter was postponed to 4 December for copies of the docket.
