The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State has on Tuesday, 15 October 2024, submitted its affidavit to the Hawks to investigate allegations levelled against the Free State Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathe and her husband, the Council Speaker of Mangaung Metro Cllr Lawrence Mathae.
Reacting to the leaked message sent to the Premier from New Beginnings CEO, Mr Partick Phuti, that is making the rounds on social media, alleging acts of corruption by the disgruntled road contractor whose contract was terminated due to underperformance, the DA called on the Hawks to investigate the Premier and her husband.
“These allegations, if proven true, highlight a troubling pattern of corruption and disregard for the lives of residents in the Free State. The poor road infrastructure in the province has a devastating impact on local economies and caused the deaths of many residents through road accidents. The DA is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into these claims by the Directorate of Priority Crimes Inspectorate (HAWKS) in the province (Affidavit available on request),” said the Provincial DA Leader and MPL Dr Roy Jankielsohn.
According to the Jankielsohn; the WhatsApp messages detailed at least ten significant red flags regarding misconduct allegations and the misuse of public resources that require investigation. Among the claims are:
- Patrick Phuti paid invoices and transported people to the ANCWL conference.
- Patrick Phuti paid R400 000,00 for another event during a project launch.
- Tau Pele paid Patrick Phuti R2 000 000,00 to deliver to Premier Letsoha-Mathae that will facilitate the taking over of the project, presumably the construction of the Excelsior Tweespruit road, by Tau Pele.
- Patrick Phuti paid for taxis on behalf of Premier Letsoha-Mathae.
- Patrick Phuti alleges that more than R4 500 000,00 was spent on the instruction of Premier Letsoha-Mathae, presumably not related to the road project.
- That Patrick Phuti assisted the husband of Premier Letsoha-Mathae with obtaining muthi.
- That Patrick Phuti delivered R1 000 000,00 to Premier Letsoha-Mathae at the Southern Sun before an ANCWL conference.
- That Patrick Phuti paid the husband of Premier Letsoha-Mathae R500 000,00.
- That Patrick Phuti paid R100 000,00 to the staff of Premier Letsoha-Mathae in Welkom.
“The DA stands firm in our commitment to combatting corruption and protecting the interests of residents. The people deserve a government that operates with integrity and prioritises the public good above all else,” said Roy Jankielsohn.