Probe around bakkie that's written off

The public protector is investigating the use of a municipal vehicle by a nonemployee of the Madibeng municipality after the vehicle was written off in a crash while allocated to mayor Douglas Maimane's office.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Public protector spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe confirmed the probe was ongoing, but was at an early stage.

The investigation follows the alleged unauthorised use of the vehicle by a private individual who subsequently crashed it.

The Isuzu bakkie, with registration KPX120NW, was allegedly used on Maimane's farm and was photographed carrying animals when it overturned near Madinyane village in ward 34 on 17 September last year.

It was driven by an individual who was not a municipality employee. The use contravened the municipality's fleet policy, requiring that a vehicle should only be allocated to a municipal employee by the fleet manager.