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The corruption case involving former Hessequa Mayor, Christopher Taute, who the Public Protector in July found guilty of abusing his position by soliciting donations for the ANC, has been referred by the Hawks to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The transfer of the case was confirmed with the Democratic Alliance (DA) this week by a Hawks representative.

In January, the DA revealed that Mr Taute had written to local Hessequa businesspeople, telling them to donate money to the ANC in the run-up to the May 2011 local government election because their contracts were “made possible by this ANC-run council”.

The following month, the DA laid charges of corruption against Mr Taute, which triggered the investigation by the Hawks. We also requested that the Public Protector investigate the matter. In July, the Public Protector found Mr Taute guilty on all counts.

The DA has since taken control of the Hessequa municipality.

The Western Cape Department of Local Government has liaised with the Speaker of Hessequa following the release of the Public Protector’s report, and the matter has been handled by the local council.

Crooked officials like Christopher Taute must be held to account for their actions.

A clear message needs to be sent that decisive action will be taken against public servants who choose to serve themselves, and not the South African people.

We will follow the progress of this case closely.