THE Economic Freedom Fighters in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality have convinced the local authority to investigate allegations of land misappropriation.
The item which came to the council as a motion for discussion on Tuesday fingered two businesses, a farmer operating along Whittlesea road and former Tsolwana and Inkwanca local municipalities.
“We know that the council never resolved to sell or lease land to these people,” said EFF councillor, Luthando Amos, who used to be part of the municipal finance committee, in a briefing after the council meeting on Tuesday.
The newly appointed municipal manager, Nokuthula Mgijima’s office, has been tasked to investigate the allegations of land misappropriation and find the necessary paper trail.
The council further recommended that whoever was involved in the matter should be suspended and fired if the allegations are proven.
“We can’t allow improper land sales of municipal land while we are labelled as a sinking ship because of our current financial status.
“That is the money that is supposed to be coming to the municipal purse to help improve our revenue so the municipality can be able to fulfil its mandate.
“Those involved must be investigated and charged,” said the ANC’s councillor Papama Madubedube, seconded by his colleague, Noluthando Nqabisa, who said suspected individuals “must be immediately taken out of office so they don’t get the opportunity to tamper with evidence”.
– SANELE JAMES
