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PAMPHLET LEVELS CORRUPTION CHARGES AT TOWN MANAGER

McKeed Kotlolo

McKeed Kotlolo

The municipal manager of the cashstrapped Madibeng local municipality in Brits, North West, is to appear before a special council meeting today to face allegations of taking bribes, nepotism and neglecting his duties.

Philemon Mohlopi Mapulane, who was appointed municipal manager of Madibeng two years ago, has been accused of being involved in corrupt activities, including nepotism, taking bribes from people and companies whose applications for tenders were approved. He also allegedly inflated quotations and taking the difference as his share.

Sowetan is in possession of a pamphlet that lists several allegations of corruption against Mapulane.

It also mentions other people and companies allegedly involved in the corrupt activities.

He took over the municipal manager post in April 2007 and the allegations of corruption against him started last year.

A fortnight ago a number of pamphlets listing Mapulane's alleged corrupt activities and individuals and companies involved in the allegations were distributed among staff members at the municipal offices in Brits.

When Sowetan visited the municipal offices last week not a single employee was willing to to talk about the pamphlets because of the tension they had caused within the municipality.

But reliable sources said the matter was discussed at a full council meeting last Tuesday, where a group of councillors called for an investigation into the allegations and the immediate suspension of Mapulane.

Municipal spokesperson Patrick Morathi denied that the matter was discussed last Tuesday.

He said a special council meeting would be held today to discuss the allegations.

He, at first, also tried to stop Sowetan from publishing the story, saying it would cause problems.

He later suggested that the pamphlet be mentioned in passing and that no contents be quoted.

The pamphlet, he said, was faceless and baseless.

Mapulane, also called "Mr Cash" in the pamphlet, is alleged to have two luxury houses, in Pretoria's Menlyn suburb and in the posh security villages of Hartbeespoort Dam.

It is claimed that "Mr Cash" drinks expensive booze and smokes cigars. He drives a BMW, a Mini Cooper Cabriolet and a Range Rover sport.

Attempts to contact Mapulane were fruitless.

He failed to respond to several voice and text messages.

Instead Morathi called Sowetanand said Mapulane had decided to reserve his comment until today's council sitting.

He said the council would also release an official statement after the meeting.

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