The latest charges were laid by ActionSA’s Patricia Kopane at the Parkweg police station in Bloemfontein on Wednesday (23/10). They were laid against Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, her Mangaung Metro Speaker husband Lawrence Mathae, former premier and current Free State Legislature Speaker Mxolisi Dukwana, and New Beginnings Project CEO Patrick Phuti.

This case added to the files of allegations against Letsoha-Mathae and her husband after the EFF and DA had both opened similar cases. The charges stem from accusations made by Phuti, who claimed illegal financial transactions occurred during the awarding of the Tweespruit road construction contract while Letsoha-Mathae was MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport.

Phuti’s accusations emerged through a leaked message, in which he alleged the premier and her husband had unfairly terminated his construction contract. He also alleged he had paid bribes to secure the contract, including purchasing a vehicle for the family.

Kopane claimed Dukwana was implicated, having allegedly received R2 million from the same contractor while Phuti reportedly bought a vehicle for Dukwana’s son too.

Kopane said while Phuti accused the officials, he too must be held accountable. “He cannot exonerate himself from the allegations,” she said, adding she had opened a criminal case against Phuti for allegedly paying millions to Letsoha-Mathae and others for personal gain.

Kopane emphasised the need for leadership accountability and called for investigations to uncover the truth behind these serious allegations.

“As ActionSA, we believe the people of the Free State deserve better leaders. It’s obvious that regardless of who is put in positions of power by the ANC, they are all corrupt.

“It’s deeply disappointing to see (the premier) implicated in such grave accusations, especially after she positioned herself as someone committed to fighting corruption during her State of the Province Address.”

‘A clear indication of the government’s leadership without integrity’

Kopane added while corruption allegations surfaced, unemployment in the province continued to rise. She pointed out that the Parkweg police station, where she filed her charges, has seen four contractors abandon the project despite more than R100 million being allocated to its construction.

“The police station, the largest in the province, which is meant to serve many people, remains incomplete. It’s a clear indication of the government’s leadership without integrity,” said Kopane.

Letsoha-Mathae had denied all accusations and called on Phuti to formally approach law enforcement agencies with evidence to support his claims.

Her lawyers have also sent a formal letter to him demanding he substantiate his allegations.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh