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1) The Honourable Minister (Mr Sicelo Shiceka)
Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs
2) The Honourable Minister (Mr Nathi Mthethwa)
Department of Police Service

Dear Sirs

UNDEMOCRATIC ACTIVITIES: THABAZIMBI: LIMPOPO

It has been learnt with great concern that democratic processes
at Thabazimbi in Limpopo are being violated by certain individuals
who do not want to accept defeat.

The by-election results of 9 December 2009 at the abovementioned
Municipality reflect that Mr Stephen Gabaetsiwi Lerumo, an
independent candidate, won the by-election by 74, 6% over Mr Selomo
who got 25, 4%.

This reflects the will of the people in that ward.

It has been learnt with great shock and serious concern that Mr
Selomo is allegedly intimidating members of the community by:-
(a) insulting them that they are liars,
(b) manipulate and incite certain members of the community
against Councillors,
(c) charging community members between R5000 and R7000 for job
opportunities in nearby mines,
(d) charging between R400 and R7000 for burial space and no
receipts are issued,
(e) cases opened at Police Station against him do not get
processed by the Police,
(f) tell community members that there will be no development in
their area as they have voted an independent candidate whose
budgetary requirements will not be approved by the ANC,
(g) certain community members were brutally assaulted by Police
when they were arrested ,
(h) Arresting of Ward Committee members and other community
members who supported the Independent Councillor. This occurred on
24 April 2010,
(i) community members who visited the arrested members were also
arrested without cause.

It is also relevant to mention the fact that out of anger,
community members started rioting and burnt four houses belonging
to Mr Selomo and his associates. This resulted in the arrest of the
culprits. The total number of people arrested in the course of all
such activities is 110 people.

It is serious cause for concern to find a situation whereby
democratic processes in the form of people exercising their right
to choose their preferred candidate are being flouted by a man who
feels disgruntled by the election results.

It is my fervent plea that this matter receives your very urgent
attention for if left unattended it may cause serious problems in
the area.

Your usual co-operation is appreciated.