Matlosana CFO charged with corruption said she'd bribe her way out of trouble -SANCO

Thabo Shole Mashao speaks to Matlosana Municipality Mayor James Tsolela, James Gadinabokao, from SANCO North West, and Henry Mamothame, NPA Regional Spokesperson for the North West Division about allegations of corruption against the municipality's CFO.

The CFO of a North West municipality who stands accused of corruption has told a local publication that she is being framed.

City of Matlosana CFO Mercy Phetla was arrested and charged with corruption by the Hawks last week.

They allege Phetla failed to declare a gift of a R1.4 million VW Amarok given to her by GMHM Construction, a local service provider that has a month-to-month contract with the City.

Speaking to The Sunday World, Phetla denied any wrongdoing and claimed she was the victim of 'rouge elements' who were out to get her.

She claims she paid for the vehicle using her own money.

However, it has also since emerged that Phetla's R35 000 bail was paid by the son of her co-accused.

49 year-old Nomthandazo Mokasule is one of two GMHM staff arrested and charged with Phetla.

James Gadinabokao, Head of Communication at the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) says the corruption allegations are very disappointing;

"SANCO as the vanguards of the poor communities of Matlosana we raised this sharply and we didn't just make noise, we went to the authorities, we went to the ruling party."

James Gadinabokao, Head of Communication -  SANCO North West

SANCO are calling for Phetla's suspension and Gadinabokao claims that during her appearance in court she said she would bribe her way out of the charges.

"She even indicated at court that she will pay a bribe, a R1 million bribe to the law enforcement agencies so that the case is squashed."

James Gadinabokao, Head of Communication -  SANCO North West

"She whispered to people I'm going to mobilise resources to give it to law enforcement agencies, right in court...she said she's more powerful than Fikile Mbalula."

James Gadinabokao, Head of Communication -  SANCO North West

Matlosana Mayor James Tsolela says it is an 'insult' to the councillors in the municipality to suggest that they are being called by Phetla to rally behind her.

"Now you want to assume that councillors are so weak...that they could be mobilised by an official."

James Tsolela, Executive Mayor  - The City Of Matlosana

"Remember, once a person manipulates you, the first thing that person does is to undermine your intellectual capacity."

James Tsolela, Executive Mayor  - The City Of Matlosana

Phetla was invited to join the conversation on 702, but chose not to respond to the invitation.