LEBOWAKGOMO – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has demanded a full explanation from Limpopo Legislature Speaker Makoma Makhurupetje following an alleged break-in at her office at the Legislature precinct in Lebowakgomo on 8 July.
The opposition party wants the Speaker to present a detailed report on the incident to the Legislature’s Oversight Portfolio Committee when it meets on Wednesday, 15 July.
According to the DA, details of the alleged break-in were only shared during a meeting of party whips on Tuesday, with no official public statement having been issued by the Speaker’s office regarding the incident.
The party questioned how a break-in could allegedly occur at the Legislature, a national key point protected by extensive security measures, without being detected while it was taking place.
The DA said the Legislature is equipped with a recently upgraded security system, including security guards, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), secure smart-door access controls and surveillance cameras positioned at various points throughout the building.
“The circumstances surrounding the alleged break-in raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of the security measures in place and warrant a full explanation,” the party said.
The DA further argued that the incident comes at a time when the Legislature has been facing mounting allegations of financial mismanagement and governance failures.
Among the issues highlighted by the party are the purchase and alleged subsequent sale of the Speaker’s official vehicle, increased irregular and wasteful expenditure, including R1.8 million allegedly spent on cancelled flights and accommodation, and a R5 million payment made to Talane and Associates, a law firm the DA claims has family ties to Legislature Secretary Dr Timothy Maake.
The opposition party also questioned the timing of the alleged break-in, saying it occurred shortly before a forensic investigation report is expected to be presented to the Oversight Portfolio Committee.
The DA described the timing as suspicious and said it raises concerns about possible maladministration within the institution. However, no evidence has been publicly presented linking the alleged break-in to the forensic investigation.
The party reiterated its call for the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate what it describes as malpractice during the tenure of Speaker Makhurupetje and Legislature Secretary Dr Maake.
“We will not allow the People’s House to deteriorate into a looting opportunity for shifty bureaucrats and unscrupulous cadres,” the DA said.
At the time of publication, the Limpopo Legislature and the Speaker’s office had not publicly responded to the DA’s allegations or issued a statement on the reported break-in.
The matter was expected to receive attention when the Oversight Portfolio Committee convenes on Wednesday, July 15.
