Mayor's shaky house of cards

FURORE: DA PUSHES HAWKS PROBE AS ANC SHIELDS 'UNLAWFUL' OCCUPATION OF STATE PROPERTY

- Sipho Mabena

The DA in the Free State has intensified pressure over Tswelopele mayor Kenalemang Phukuntsi's alleged unlawful occupation of a provincial government house, threatening to take the matter to the public protector and the Hawks for investigation.

At the centre of the controversy is Erf 355, 4 Cooper Street in Hoopstad, a property registered in the name of the provincial department of public works and transport.

Despite this, the mayor has allegedly occupied the property for several years and carried out renovations, sparking accusations of the abuse of state assets.

"Given the serious housing shortages in the Free State, millions of citizens have waited years for land or a home," said Igor Scheurkogel, member of National Council of Provinces in the Free State.

"The appearance that politically connected individuals can occupy and later acquire provincial property outside the legislated processes undermines public trust."