MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The ad hoc committee to investigate charges of corruption and nepotism, and the abuse of power in the Makhado Municipality, came under severe criticism this week, after serious allegations surfaced about the committee's modus operandi in the first week of its appointment.

The bona fides of the committee are being questioned seriously, and it has already been branded as a witch-hunt, reminiscent of the pre-democracy era of intimidations, victimizations and dirty tricks. The committee has been described as a mere smoke screen for dubious internal ANC politics. The line of questioning in the committee is said to indicate that the main purpose of the committee is to investigate the municipal manager and to secure jobs for certain provincial and national party members who are no longer needed in those legislatures.

A public call has been issued, seriously warning members of the public and officials of the municipality not to give evidence before this committee and to demand legal representation if forced to give evidence. People are forewarned to demand the questions in writing before any evidence is given and to demand that the municipality pay for their legal representation. They are also advised not to answer personal questions or questions not covered by the mandate of the committee.

These warnings came after alarming allegations surfaced with regard to this ANC investigation. Allegations have been made that officials called for questioning are forced to give evidence under oath. The legal status of the ad hoc investigating committee and its power and mandate to force people to give evidence under oath are being questioned seriously.

The mayor of the Makhado Municipal Council announced the committee two weeks ago. It is composed of five ANC councillors. The committee is in session at the local Fire Brigade. It must complete its investigation within 21 working days.

Members of the public and all staff members and councillors of Makhado Municipality were invited to provide relevant information to the committee.

The local office of the DA, in its initial reaction last week, expressed its disappointment with the composition of the ad hoc committee. Whilst supporting the idea to investigate the allegations, the DA stated emphatically that it would not provide the committee with any information. It considers the committee as obviously biased, because it consists only of ANC councillors - some of whom have been implicated in biased actions in the past.