ANC Warns Against Fake Social Media Accounts Targeting Officials

(The Post News)– The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo has issued a warning against those who hide behind fake social media accounts to attack the organization.

The warning follows a post made by someone named Morris Montengo Maluleka. Maluleka claims to be the municipal manager at Mogalakwena Local Municipality. In one of his posts, Maluleka said he made numerous corrupt transactions within the municipality.

According to him, the transactions were linked to companies connected to Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba and Cooperative Governance MEC Basikop Makamu. Maluleka also alleged that the pair requested him to hire their family members.

However, Ramathuba has denied the claims made against her. She said that when corruption channels are closed, such allegations tend to arise, saying that in her, they had met their match. Ramathuba further noted that she does not have the municipal manager’s contacts. Moreover, Ramathuba confirmed that the case is currently being investigated by the Hawks.

Limpopo ANC spokesperson Jimmy Machaba dismissed the allegations. According to Machaba, the reason for dismissing them is because they were made by an anonymous source.

The account has since been deactivated. Meanwhile, using another Facebook account called Mogalakwena Corruption Facebook Page, Maluleka confirmed that his account had been taken down. He further noted that he will not be “intimidated” and won’t “back down.”

The municipality has distanced itself from the social media account. In a statement, it said municipalities have official social media accounts for communication. According to the municipality, fake accounts undermine communication efforts—”spreading inaccurate or misleading information.”

The municipality explained that its current municipal manager does not have any social media pages. The municipality is certain that the individual behind the alleged “Tshepo Ledwaba” account is spreading these falsehoods, and this type of harassment is forbidden by two court orders.