Councillor in court for alleged robbery

An Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) ward councillor in Thabazimbi was suspended by his party with immediate effect after his arrest on a charge of robbery. He appeared in court in Northam on Monday. More arrests are expected.
Provincial Police Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the arrest and court appearance of Refilwe Daniel Mampeule. The suspect and his accomplices allegedly gained forceful entrance to a house in Smashablock, Northam and robbed the occupants of an amount of cash and liquor, he said.
Mojapelo concluded saying the case was postponed to Monday for a formal bail application.
A media statement issued by the EFF’s Provincial Command Team in Limpopo said the party had learnt with shock about the arrest of ward councillor Daniel Mamapeu. “We distance ourselves from these actions and call upon the law enforcement agencies to do their work. The councillor is suspended with immediate effect and will not take part in any activities of the EFF until the matter is resolved. We will not wait for the courts to conclude their business. Our disciplinary action will run concurrently with the court(s) (processes).
“The EFF believes that public representatives must lead by example and therefore we will not tolerate any actions contrary to our values and principles.”
The website of Thabazimbi Local Municipality gives the councillor’s name as Daniel Mampeule. The official number rang unanswered on Tuesday afternoon when efforts were made to verify the name.

Story: YOLANDE NEL
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