This follows the recent findings by Home Affairs that Maoke is a Lesotho citizen and that her documentation was not in order. Shadrack Diko, provincial Secretary of the EFF in the Free State, says during a council meeting on Thursday 12 December 2019, to address issues around Maoke, the ruling party stood steadfast on not discussing the matter stating that it is being handled by the court.

OFM News recently reported that the provincial Home Affairs officials went to the municipal offices of the Setsoto Municipality on Tuesday 10 December in search of Maoke but did not find her. The Municipal Manager of the municipality, Tshepiso Ramarakane, confirmed and said that he was aware of issues regarding Maoke’s citizenship but argued that it was not within their mandate, as the municipality, to object or even comment. The spokesperson of the Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Lobe, said the investigation into Maoke’s citizenship followed after complaints were raised about her identity documents.

Diko further added that Maoke was not present during the council meeting, which could mean that she will vacate the mayoral position soon. He says the EFF demands that Maoke pays back the money she benefited from since 2016 as the mayor of Setsoto Municipality. Meanwhile, the speaker of the Setsoto Local Municipality, Krog Mokuoane, said he will respond to OFM News’ questions later regarding the matter.

OFM News/Marvin Ntsane