Investigator used to probe corruption at Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela

File image: Siri Hardeland

File image: Siri Hardeland

Published Sep 27, 2016

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Rustenburg - A forensic investigator was hired to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration of the finances of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela in Moruleng outside Rustenburg, the Maluleke Commission heard on Tuesday.

Paramount chief Kgafela Kgafela II told the Maluleke Commission, probing the succession dispute of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela, that he received no support or co-operation from Kgosi Nyalala Pilane regarding the affairs of the tribal community in Moruleng.

The Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela is straddle between Botswana and South Africa, the other part is based in Mochudi, Botswana while the other part is in Moruleng in South Africa.

The traditional community is led by Kgosi Nyalala Pilane in South Africa while Kgafela Kgafela II based in Botswana is the paramount chief of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela tribe.

Kgafela II said he hired forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan to probe the depth of the alleged corruption after he struggled to receive documents about the resolution taken by the tribe as well as minutes of meeting of the community since 2012. “I will make a submission to the commission to order Kgosi Pilane's team to hand over documents regarding resolutions and meetings where the community authorised them to act on their behalf and represent them at this commission. They should provide minutes and resolution of the traditional council where the resolved about hiring a team of seven attorneys was made.”

The Paul O'Sullivan investigation revealed that Pilane allegedly used over R49 million to pay a firm of lawyers, double pay one employee a monthly salary amounting to over R377 000 in a period of a year and unlawfully paid her trip to Italy costing the community R43 000.

The investigation also found out that Pilane unlawfully obtained a R300 million loan for the construction of a shopping mall in Moruleng, these were done without out the approval of his subjects.

Kgafela II said cases of corruption have been opened against Pilane following the findings of the Paul O'Sullivan but, there had been no progress on the case.

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo appointed Judge George Maluleke to chair a commission probing the chieftaincy of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela in Moruleng.

The dispute surrounding the chieftaincy of the more than 300 000 Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela in Moruleng, surfaced when Kgafela II relocate from Botswana to South Africa in May 2012, following charges of assault and legal battles with the government of Botswana.

African News Agency

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