THE open toilets saga in Moutse, Limpopo, where government abandoned plans to complete building of RDP houses started 14 years ago, has taken a new twist.

It turns out that ANC councillor in Matlelerekeng, Engenas Sebothoma, had allegedly demanded R10000 from local chief Koos Mahlobogoane after promising them title deeds for the houses.

Sebothoma was not a councillor at the time. But to date, residents are still waiting for those title deeds.

Mahlobogoane's spokesperson Sinkie Mabogoane said: "The money was paid in a once-off payment and he assured us that everybody would get their title deeds within two months, but this has not happened."

Sebothoma confirmed having received the money but vehemently denied that he has not delivered.

"There are those whose title deeds are already out and the remaining ones should get theirs soon," he said.

But Mabogoane disputed this, saying none of the residents received their title deeds.

In 1997, the Mpumalanga provincial government embarked on an ambitious programme to build RDP houses for Matlelerekeng residents. Currently only 599 of the houses were built - 401 are still outstanding.

Residents said after the houses were built, Sebothoma approached Mahlobogoane and told him that he would ensure that all beneficiaries will get title deeds, provided he was paid R10000.

After a tribal meeting at which the money was collected, the chief handed over the money to Sebothoma.

Mpumalanga housing department spokesperson Freddy Ngobe said it was illegal for anyone to charge people for RDP title deeds.