Fired North West MEC cries foul over ‘manufactured fraud’

Former North West public works MEC Madoda Sambatha, who was fired by Premier Supra Mahumapelo, has cried foul over his sacking which has seen battles lines becoming more visible along factional divisions influenced by the looming ANC presidential race.

The ANC in the province said Sambatha was relieved of his duties in a decision based on allegations of fraudulent sale of government land.

Sambatha – an SA Communist Party North West provincial secretary – has recently made clear his party’s support for Cyril Ramaphosa to be the next ANC president and subsequently succeed President Jacob Zuma as the state president.