Former Limpopo roads and transport MEC Pinky Kekana flouted the constitution and “abused” her position to “settle political scores” for the benefit of Julius Malema, says Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. According to the protector’s provisional report into the abuse of state power, Kekana had ordered an off-duty traffic officer to arrest Malema’s rival at the chaotic Limpopo elective conference in Makhado two years ago.
Former provincial ANC Youth League deputy secretary, Thandi Moraka, was arrested “unlawfully” on April 10, 2010. This was ostensibly for stealing conference documents even though criminal charges had not been laid against her. Acting on Kekana’s instruction, Takalani Sheriff Tshilongoane had arrested Moraka on the N1 north in Botlokwa, 60km north of Polokwane, Madonsela confirmed. He then drove her car “by force” back to Makhado, where she was briefly detained at the Mphephu police station. The court dismissed Moraka’s case after several appearances, prompting her to lodge a complaint with Madonsela. Titled “State Power-Political Games”, the provisional report said Kekana’s conduct was “improper” and amounted to “maladministration”.
“Kekana’s conduct amounted to maladministration, because she did not just report a crime, but abused her official position as MEC while attending a private, party political event to set state resources in her department in motion to settle a political score,” read part of the provisional report. Kekana has dismissed suggestions that she abused her power as “malicious”.
The arrest came after Moraka had left the politically-charged conference with documents after it degenerated into chaos, with rival supporters threatening, intimidating and swearing at each other. Police had also clashed with supporters of Malema’s arch-rival Lehlogonolo Masoga, firing rubber bullets and spraying them with a water cannon.
Kekana, who had attended the league’s conference in her capacity as Limpopo ANC deputy secretary, is an ally of Malema and Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale.
Source: IoL
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