Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – Work has resumed at the controversial and crime scene (R709) between Excelsior and Tweespruit in the South Eastern Free State.
R709 remains a crime scene following explosive allegations made by Patrick “The Butcher” Phuti, Chief Executive Officer of New Beginnings Project against both Mathaes and Tau Pele Construction company.
Phuti alleged Tau Pele Construction gave him R2 million meant for Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, Free State Premier and he used it (money) according to instructions given by her which included paying taxis to ferry delegates to ANCWL conference in which she was elected Treasurer General.
The initial contract awarded to New Beginnings Project was R269 million and R58 million was paid, after the termination of the contract, Tau Pele Construction was awarded the tender at the slightly reduced amount of R214 million.
When New Beginnings Project was appointed it’s quote was R20 million higher than that of Tau Pele Construction in 2023 and according to Phuti, Tau Pele took his site.
Phuti even promised to direct money into Mathae’s tarven.
Lawyers representing Mathaes and Tau Pele threatened Phuti but he did not fold.
EMPLOYEES LAID OFF
Contract workers at the site reached out to this publication after they were laid off in June after working just three days.
During our visit we found the entire 44 kilometers abandoned due to non-payment and we documented everything with pictures and video footage although the department denied this.
A week after we published the story work resumed and we drove to witness if indeed construction is underway.
We counted no less than 20 people on site unlike in June when it was empty.
PAYMENTS
According to the financial statement in our possession, as soon as R18 million was paid into New Begginings Project, DE LA REY and MBD Construction Engineers were paid R1 million and R500 000 respectively.
We are still sniffing to find out why they were paid where the money ended.
In 2023, Mathae threatened service providers with termination if they did not plough back and this is not aging well.
Worse, the department appointed New Beginnings against its own legal opinion.
The EFF and DA have since laid a criminal and the DPP in Free State is still applying her mind.
This is a developing story.
If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp 0685000246
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