Councillor Timothy Lukhele’s vehicle was set alight over the weekend.
According to Mr David Magehla, Community Policing Forum (CPF) member the whole drama started on Friday, August 5 at around 12:00 when a member of the community in Empumelelweni went to the councillor’s house and found the councillor together with some people. The community member told the councillor that he had wanted to see him in connection with money that was taken from him allegedly on behalf of the councillor. He told the councillor that he was made to pay R1 500 to secure a job but nothing has come out of that. It was said a friend of the councillor has taken the money.
The accused person was also present when the matter was discussed and he admitted taking the money and promised to pay back the money and confirmed that in writing.
On Saturday a member of the community made Cllr Lukhele aware about a recruitment drive at a mine near Kromdraai. Cllr Lukhele went to the place and found that there was a lot of disorder and it was agreed a meeting will be held the following day to a have a proper arrangement together with the mine management.
A lot of people came to the meeting as agreed but there were more people than the previous day. The meeting did not end well and Cllr Lukhele had to leave the meeting. Some community members had formed themselves into groups with some who were against councillor Lukhele. It soon transpired that the meeting would not proceed as planned as there was too much chaos. Some of the disputes were about community liaison officer (CLO) and some people wanted to be elected to be CLO’s.
“On Sunday some people were seen burning tyres near my house, they were shouting and singing anti slogans against me. Some were singing about 40% and do not know what they were singing about. My crime was to insist at the meeting be open and transparent. I wanted to give the mine management to explain how are they going to recruit but some people were against that, even some from my committee.”
During the night, councillor Lukhele’s Opel Corsa bakkie was burned by unknown people. Community members tried to save the vehicle from the fire but they failed. The value of the car is about R60 000.
The Opel Corsa bakkie that was burned by unknown people at his house in Empumelelweni on Sunday night.
Cllr Lukhele also added to say that he is not part of the mine management but was only helping to have a proper and open recruitment.
Police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property and arson and are appealing to anyone who has information to contact them even if they want to remain anonymously.
Colonel One Thobejane can be called at: 082 372 2195 or Vosman Police Station at: (013) 659 8432.
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