By Staff Reporter
STEILOOP – A local ward councillor in Mogalakwena Municipality, Steiloop village has found himself at the centre of a corruption scandal after grieving families accused him of stealing R50,000 in condolence funds that were meant to support them following a tragic accident on the N11 late last year.
A criminal case of theft and fraud has been officially opened at Thabaleshoba Police Station against the Ward councillor, who allegedly pocketed money donated by a local farmer.
The funds were intended for the bereaved families of victims who perished in the horrific N11 crash.
According to Bathobohle Party representatives, who are assisting the affected families, numerous attempts were made to contact him over several months, but he reportedly avoided them.
Police later requested that he present himself at Gilead SAPS to account for the missing funds.
“As much as vulnerable families had faith in him, we saw it best to intervene since the families have been trying to find him for months without any luck,” the statement from the party reads.
During a meeting between the councillor and the families, no agreement was reached, prompting the families to file a formal criminal complaint.
In a surprising twist, a local undertaker also came forward during the case registration, claiming they were never paid for services rendered at the mass funeral. It is further alleged that some local companies were paid for items they never delivered, raising suspicions of fraudulent documentation.
Bathobohle Party says it believes there may be more irregularities linked to the RAF funeral reimbursement and municipal condolence funds, which the families have still not received a year later.
“We are the vanguard of our communities against corrupt politicians who exploit grieving families. Leaders must serve with honesty and respect — not turn tragedy into an opportunity for theft,” the party added.
Sources close to the families claim that after receiving the funds, the councillor allegedly began living lavishly, partying and showing off while the affected families continued to struggle.
The party vowed to assist the victims legally until justice is served and called on other residents who might have suffered similar exploitation to come forward.
“We condemn fraudulent acts and emotional abuse of mourning families. No one deserves to be led by an opportunist. Justice must prevail,” the statement concluded.
