Mayoral vehicle in an alleged fender-bender
A MOTORIST intends to claim damages from Kgatelopele Local Municipality after the mayoral vehicle allegedly scratched her car.
A day after posting a picture of the vehicle on social media on February 16, the woman stated that a number of people had informed her that it was the mayor’s vehicle.
“The driver of the Toyota was reckless, while I have been left with the damages. I tried to have the car repaired but the scratches are quite deep,” she said.
The woman claimed that the municipal manager had advised her to lay criminal charges.
“I was visiting in Kimberley at the time of the incident. I was driving my son’s car … I passed the North Cape Mall on November 28, 2023, when a car drove into my lane and scratched my vehicle. There were occupants as well as a driver inside the car. The vehicle did not stop and I could not check the extent of the damages, so I decided to follow it and take a photograph.”
A vehicle with the same registration number was reportedly seen transporting two livestock carcasses in its boot from Upington to Danielskuil during the last voter registration weekend on February 3.
Complaints were lodged with the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) earlier this month regarding the alleged misuse of the mayoral vehicle and irregular expenditure at Kgatelopele Municipality.
The mayor’s car was apparently used, among others, to travel to Randburg to attend a school choir, a dance competition and for campaigning purposes.
Kgatelopele municipal manager Willie Blundin indicated that he had instructed the transport officer to investigate whether there was any evidence to prove that the driver had damaged the vehicle in question.
“No evidence is visible. Furthermore, I did not receive such a request or complaint but have seen
it on Facebook.”
He stated that the person who had booked out the vehicle had obtained permission to attend a meeting in Kimberley on the day in question.
“If any form of negligence can be established, the driver of the vehicle will be held liable for the payment of any alleged damages,” said Blundin.