The DA has laid a criminal complaint with SAPS against a Greater Kokstad Municipality Ward councillor following allegations that vulnerable residents were asked to pay money in exchange for municipal jobs and housing.
The DA is calling for a full criminal investigation into the allegations, registered under CAS 269/10/2026.
The complaint is supported by video and voice recordings allegedly implicating the councillor in soliciting and accepting money from residents in exchange for promises of employment and housing opportunities. These recordings will be made available to SAPS for investigation.
The allegations are serious. Equally concerning is the failure of the municipality’s leadership to act despite reportedly having been made aware of these allegations more than a year ago.
This raises serious questions about accountability within the municipality. Why did the Mayor and Municipal Manager fail to ensure that these allegations were properly investigated when they first came to light? What action, if any, was taken to protect residents from further alleged exploitation?
The DA believes that allegations of this nature cannot simply be left to an internal ad hoc committee, particularly when the municipality’s own leadership must account for its response to the original complaint.
By laying a formal complaint with SAPS, we have taken steps to ensure that these allegations are referred for an independent criminal investigation rather than relying solely on the municipality to investigate itself.
Residents who are desperate for employment and housing opportunities deserve fair and transparent processes. No person should ever be expected to pay a councillor or public representative to access opportunities or services to which they may be entitled.
The DA will follow up with SAPS regarding the progress of the investigation and will continue to demand accountability from the Greater Kokstad Municipality.