The Welkom-based Matjhabeng Local Municipality has disputed allegations of not using some of their newly bought fleets mainly due to the lack of necessary vehicle licenses.

DA caucus leader in Matjhabeng, Igor Scheurkogel, claimed while they were assessing progress at the Welkom fire station, where a new fleet was promoted, they uncovered a new fleet was now gathering dust. The new fleet, which includes bakkies, was recently unveiled by the municipality. Scheurkogel said the bakkies had not been used because they lacked the necessary vehicle licenses.

DA caucus leader in Matjhabeng, Igor Scheurkogel, claimed they uncovered a new fleet gathering dust. Photo: Facebook

“These vehicles were acquired to bolster by-law enforcement and secure Matjhabeng's infrastructure. Matjhabeng's community bears the brunt of regular power outages, stemming from cable theft and substation vandalism. Despite the appointment of 150 security officers, their potential remains untapped. The acquired 'bakkie' fleet, intended for deployment to the Department of Public Safety, sits idle due to the absence of vehicle licenses from the licensing department.”  

Matjhabeng spokesperson, Tshediso Tlali, disputed these allegations. Tlali said the vehicles were bought for specialised security personnel which the municipality is yet to appoint. He said the licenses of new bakkies bought for specialised security units are up-to-date and the fleet will only be used once they appoint the specialised security personnel.

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