Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Dirk Kotze and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng.
Allegations of conflicts of interest, questionable vehicle impoundment practices, possible irregularities in the issuing and collection of fines, and concerns over governance within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s Law Enforcement Department have raised serious questions about the integrity, impartiality and accountability of the Municipality’s enforcement function.
We will ask the Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), Cllr Kabi Tshwane, to convene a Section 79 oversight investigation into serious governance, ethical, and operational concerns in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s (MMM) Law Enforcement Department.
Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate maladministration, corruption and procurement irregularities in Mangaung, the DA believes Council must also exercise oversight over matters affecting the Law Enforcement Department’s integrity, impartiality and public confidence.
While the SIU investigation focuses on historical allegations relating to the establishment and procurement of the Municipal Police and other municipal contracts, Council cannot remain passive where new allegations raise questions about possible conflicts of interest, governance failures and operational practices within the Law Enforcement Department.
The DA will therefore request MPAC to conduct a comprehensive oversight investigation into, among others:
- All declarations of financial interests submitted by Law Enforcement officers, supervisors, managers and senior officials.
- Whether any conflicts of interest exist involving Law Enforcement officials who may own, operate or have financial interests in taxi businesses or other transport-related enterprises.
- Whether any Law Enforcement officials or senior managers serve as directors, shareholders or beneficiaries of security companies that have been appointed as service providers by the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
- The Municipality’s Standard Operating Procedures governing the impoundment of motor vehicles, including circumstances where motorists may have been compelled to double park during genuine emergencies.
- Whether clear, lawful and transparent procedures exist for residents to dispute vehicle impoundments, fines or enforcement actions.
- The processes governing the issuing, recording, allocation and auditing of traffic and by-law enforcement fines.
- Allegations relating to Law Enforcement officers requesting immediate payment of fines through electronic payment devices during roadside interactions, including whether such practices comply with municipal policies, applicable legislation and proper financial controls.
Public confidence depends on transparent, fair and accountable law enforcement, free from private financial interests or improper relationships.
The DA emphasises that these requests seek proper oversight and accountability. Any investigation must give affected officials a fair chance to respond while allowing Council to establish the facts and identify any breaches of policy, law or ethical standards.
Section 79 committees exist precisely to strengthen Council’s oversight role. Where credible information raises concerns regarding governance, conflicts of interest or administrative conduct, Council has both the authority and the responsibility to investigate.
The DA will continue using every lawful oversight mechanism to protect public resources, strengthen municipal governance, restore residents’ confidence in law enforcement institutions, fight corruption, protect public funds, and ensure accountability is no longer delayed or denied in Mangaung.
We urge residents to register online by Friday and vote for the DA in the upcoming Local Government Election (LGE) on 4 November.