Note to editors: Please find attached an English soundbite by Cllr Thabo Nthapo and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Letsemeng Local Municipality is concerned over the recent break-in at the municipal building, during which a projector was reportedly stolen from the council chamber. This incident raises serious questions about the security of municipal assets and the potential compromise of sensitive information critical to the operations of the municipality.
Despite the apparent theft, the municipality has remained vague about the full extent of the items stolen. There is significant uncertainty as to whether the stolen goods are limited to the projector or if other valuable assets have been taken. This lack of transparency is troubling, as it undermines public confidence in the municipality’s ability to safeguard its property and manage its affairs with accountability.
Of even greater concern is the municipality’s failure to provide clarity on whether a criminal case has been officially opened or if an investigation has been initiated to determine if this break-in could have been orchestrated by someone within the municipality itself. The possibility of an inside job cannot be ruled out without a thorough investigation, and the silence from the municipal leadership only fuels further speculation and distrust.
The DA is particularly alarmed by the apparent lack of communication from the Speaker, who has yet to inform the rest of the councillors in Letsemeng about this serious breach. This lack of transparency and communication is unacceptable, especially in a matter that potentially affects the security and integrity of the municipality as a whole.
The municipal building is known to house highly confidential and crucial information that is vital to the functioning of the institution. It remains unclear whether the perpetrator accessed any of this sensitive information during the break-in, and the implications of such a breach could be severe, not only for the municipality but for the community at large.
The DA calls on Municipal Manager, Chris Mokomela, to urgently initiate a comprehensive and transparent internal investigation. This investigation must determine whether this incident was an act of in-house sabotage and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to secure the building and its contents. Additionally, the DA insists that a criminal charge be formally registered and that the public be kept informed of the progress of these investigations.
Failure to address these concerns promptly and transparently will have far-reaching consequences for the trust and confidence that the community places in the municipality. The DA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will hold the municipal leadership accountable for any lapses in their duties to protect the interests of the residents of Letsemeng.