Police Task Force raids troubled Ngaka Modiri Molema municipality offices
Law enforcement officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force raided the offices of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, halting all municipal operations as gates were closed and a thorough search of the building commenced.
The SABC reported on Thursday that workers outside the municipality’s offices complained that the task force arrived and promptly sealed off the premises.
“The group came in and closed the building, and started searching it,” said one employee who requested anonymity.
Those already inside the building remained inside, while staff outside were prevented from entering.
The municipality’s Mayor, Khumalo Molefe, who was contacted by IOL for comment, said he was in Gauteng and thus unable to provide any statement.
Municipal Manager Allan Losaba did not respond to repeated queries from this publication.
This raid follows a turbulent period for the municipality.
In November last year, the Sunday Independent revealed an internal report from the Department of Water and Sanitation that uncovered significant interference in supply chain management.
The report noted that R87 million allocated for 12 vital water intervention projects in the district was suspended due to these irregularities.
The report singled out Mayor Molefe for making unfunded commitments, causing staff frustration.
Furthermore, the Chief Financial Officer was blamed for disregarding submissions from the Water Services Unit, compelling the Municipal Manager to proceed without crucial CFO recommendations.
“That is why most purchase orders were not issued due to emotions flying high rather than following sound governance principles,” the document explained.
Compounding the municipality’s woes, earlier this year, the South African Human Rights Commission found that the municipality had violated residents’ rights by denying them access to water and sanitation, effectively stripping them of their dignity.
This finding was the result of a complaint lodged by resident Tumelo Phinda, Democratic Alliance Member of Provincial Legislature Carin Visser, and activist Floggies Lucas on behalf of affected communities.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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