Food parcel fraud: ANC councillor accused of ‘charging’ hungry citizens

An allegation of heinous behaviour has been levelled against an ANC councillor in Midvaal on Monday, after it was reported that Ward 6’s Paseka Johannes Mabaso was charging administrative fees to people who desperately need government-sanctioned food parcels to survive.

Food parcel scam – what is the Midvaal ANC councillor accused of?

Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development Refiloe Nt’sekhe has confirmed that she will be filing charges against the councillor with the police. In a statement issued earlier this morning, the details of the alleged door-to-door scam have been laid bare. Mabaso is yet to respond to these accusations:

• It’s alleged Mabaso was collecting details of the people in need of food parcels and charging each house R3
• The DA say the R3 ‘admin fee’ was for buying data to be used when submitting the food parcel request via email.
• It’s estimated that the scheme could make almost R23 000 if every food parcel recipient was targeted in Ward 6.
• The DA will be opening a case of fraud and corruption against Councillor Mabaso at the local police station.

“Votes for food” claim to be investigated

Nt’sekhe has also claimed that the ANC councillor and his colleagues tried to use the food parcel delivery scheme to encourage people to sign up to their political organisation: In the papers filed with the police, Mabaso is accused of telling residents to vote for the ruling party during the 2021 municipal elections.

“It is a disgrace that Councillor Mabaso is allegedly stealing from the poor, while councillors are provided with laptops, cellphones and allowances for data to assist residents. There are also allegations that in Sebokeng Ward 28 the residents are made to sign ANC membership forms in order for them to receive food parcels.”

“The residents are also being told that they must vote for the current ANC councillor for a second term next year in the 2021 Local government elections. These allegations are serious and point to the exploitation of the poor by the ANC during this critical period. Panyaza Lesufi must urgently investigate these allegations.”

Refiloe Nt’sekhe

DA has been reliably informed that ANC Ward 6 Midvaal Local Municipality Councillor, Paseka Johannes Mabaso and his team have been going door to door collecting details of the people in need of food parcels and charging each household R3 @RefiloeNtsekhe

— DA Gauteng (@DA_GPL) April 20, 2020