---

Sources said that the police raid was a set-up by a senior ANC individual that went awry.

---

Sizwe sama Yende

---

Mpumalanga Public Works, Roads and Transport departmental head Morake Charles Morolo’s house was raided by police recently as they searched for R3 million allegedly solicited from service providers.

Reliable sources in the provincial government told The People’s Eye that a whistleblower informed the police about the cash Morolo had. However, the police found nothing in the HOD’s house and vehicle.

The People’s Eye could not establish which police unit had obtained the search warrant. Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said the elite police unit was not involved while provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdluli, did not respond to questions.

Through departmental spokesperson, Bongani Dhlamini, Morolo confirmed that he was subjected to a search.

“The Department is not aware about the said allegations. However the vehicle and the house of the HOD were searched and nothing was found. The SAPS is in a better position to respond about the said allegation and the person who reported it,” Dhlamini said.

He denied that Morolo had ever asked service providers to donate money for whatever reason. Dhlamini said Morolo was not given reasons for the search.

The sources however said that the police raid was a set up that went awry.

“A senior person in the ANC informed the police about this. It’s an open secret that HODs are asked to put together some resources from time to time and they approach contractors in their departments to help,” the source said.

“Morolo was asked to do the same, and, fortunately, he did not have anything with him when the police arrived. It was a set up.”

The aim of the plot, the source, was to plant evidence that would ensure that Morolo was removed as HOD.

Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC Thulasizwe Thomo said that he was aware of the raid.

“On the day of the incident,” said Thomo, “I received a call from crime intelligence informing me that they had received information about the HOD being abducted,” Thomo said.

“Later, after attempting to contact the HOD, he informed me that the police had come to search his house and car. The only reason provided was a court order authorising the search and he complied fully with the authorities,” Thomo said.