Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) MEC Makoma Makhurupetje divulged during a media briefing in Seshego today (Thursday) that a complaint was filed with the hawks to initiate investigations around the land allegedly purchased by the department in 2015/16 in Tubatse township.
It was reported that the land cost the department about R116, 5 million and Makoma stressed that they regret the finding by Auditor General and further indicated that the head of the department was assigned to work closely with the hawks for officials who are found guilty to be held accountable. She further said legal charges will be laid against anyone who is found guilty.
“I am confident that the hawks will help us get to the bottom of the matter for officials who misused taxpayers’ money to account. The matter involves our department, the Provincial Treasury and National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) and if it is found that one of these parties did not do things according to book, they will have to pay back the money,” she explained and added that the department is not going to procure any land until the matter has been resolved.
Limpopo Hawks Spokesperson Matimba Maluleke was contacted for a comment but his phone rang unanswered.
Story and photo: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
