Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Public Works and Infrastructure in the Free State, Dibolelo Mahlatsi is under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) affectionately known as the Hawks.
This follows the expose we published on the 3 and 18 July 2024 respectively.
In the first story, we covered how the MEC splashed over R100 000 in four days.
In the second story, we covered how the travel agency staff said they recommended cheap hotels but were told to book according to the quote given.
STEPUPSANEWS has it on good authority that the HAWKS are investigating Mahlatsi over the trips to Cape Town and Durban.
According to sources with intimate knowledge of the crime investigation, Mahlatsi is under fraud and corruption investigation.
“It is true we are investigating the MEC though the details are sketchy at the moment.
Like in any investigation, once all documents have been received and thoroughly assessed, the matter will be handed to DPP at NPA for determination.”
Another source said the matter is taken seriously.
“This matter is taken seriously and will drag former Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana as by regulations, he is required to approve.
Travel agencies for both trips will also be required to assist in the investigations.”
Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti from the HAWKS decided to sit on the fence when asked if they were investigating Mahlatsi.
“We may neither confirm nor deny the existence of such an investigation.
Please note that, from time to time, the Hawks will update the public of any arrests or significant development in the ongoing investigations.”
According to Coach Liphoko, EFF’s Provincial Leader, this is not an isolated matter as many travel.
If you have news or tips please email us at news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp 0685000246
Hi,I’m from Free State and working at department of community safety,roads and transport.Can you investigate maladministration that occurs in the department where we had about 2 Chief Directors in one department and one advertised post gave birth to 5 posts?
Hi I’m from the North West Province and would like to report Tswaing Municipality that has Ghost employees and employees paying monthly protection fee to Municipal Executives
Federation work on my plot kwaMhlanga not paying me for my place paying for 40 and induna R4000, workers R1600,
I am Thabiso Collins Lengoabala Chairperson of Dihlabeng Hawkers Organisation. Can you please investigate Wholesale and Retail SETA on mal administration, nepotism, fraud and corruption. The Wholesale and Retail SETA use Non-Pivotal Discretionary Grant 2023/24 Funding Window and 2024/25 to defraud the Department of Higher Education.