Makgoe’s driver died allegedly delivering alcohol to MEC’s nightclub

The MEC of Education in the Free State, Tate Makgoe, is again under scrutiny – for all the wrong reasons.

Following numerous allegations published on Step Up News SA that Makgoe employed his close friends and paid them above their job levels, word on the ground is now that the long standing MEC in the province used government vehicles to transport alcohol to his nightclub in Parys.

What’s even more shocking is that Makgoe’s driver, Michael Meselane, passed away in an accident on 19 June 2015, whilst allegedly transporting alcohol from a party at the department of education.

Meselane and a passenger, Paul Olifant, were involved in an accident 20 kilometres from Vredefort travelling from Bloemfontein to Parys.

It is alleged that they were carrying alcohol that was left at a department function and were instructed to deliver the remaining alcohol to Partuma nightclub in the MEC’s hometown despite the fact that they had consumed alcohol at the function.

The duo was reportedly driving a state vehicle – white Toyota Hilux Registration GBJ 114 FS – which overturned with a lot of liquor enroute to Partuma nightclub. Partuma is owned by Makgoe.

Meselane died from injuries sustained in the accident and was buried in Soweto. Olifant survived albeit with disabilities as a result of the collision.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

It is alleged a policeman was asked to assist with removing the evidence of liquor and manage the scene of the accident.

An inquest docket was opened and registered as Vredefort: Case: 88/06/2015.
Now both Olifant and the policeman responsible for destroying the evidence are very angry that the MEC and his wife have not taken care of them financially.

It is further alleged that this practice of delivering liquor to Partuma Nightclub using government vehicles continues to this day.

It is believed that the current driver in the office of the MEC, would be instructed by the MEC’s wife even on weekends and holidays to go to Motheo District office and take the government vehicle and transport liquor usually from Makro in Bloemfontein to Partuma – 3 hours away.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said vehicles allocated to the MEC’s office continue to be used to transport liquor to Partuma.

“Yes it’s true that government cars are still carrying liquor and the government garage must therefore undertake extensive investigations on cars that are used by the office of the MEC.”

Last year Makgoe did not attend the portfolio committee meeting much to the irritation of committee members who felt he is running away from accounting for the mess in his department following reports of nepotism and irregular appointments including a convicted criminal who is department legal advisor.

Paul Olifant could not be reached for comment whilst the spokesperson for the Free State Department of Education, Howard Ndaba is yet to reply on the allegations. The police in the province are also yet to respond to questions.