Gregory Nthatisi told mourners at the memorial service of slain accounting officer Luzuko Ntlabezo (48) in the Bloemfontein city hall on Wednesday (23/10) leading a metro plagued by corruption scandals is “immensely challenging”.

Ntlabezo, who had served the metro for over a decade, was gunned down by an unknown assailant outside the municipal offices in Rocklands on Thursday (17/10). His murder has led to calls for an end to the intimidation of municipal officials in the province.

Nthatisi said corruption has crippled the metro’s financial stability and service delivery, leading it to be placed under administration. He inherited “a broken system” where “syndicates” determined the fate of the municipality, but vowed under his leadership this situation would come to an end.

“Our task … is to transform (Mangaung) so that we can serve the people of the metro. We will not allow mischief-makers to dictate how we conduct ourselves.

“Where services are being provided, there are funds involved, and where there are funds, corruption lurks. We are not going to tolerate those who brought this municipality into disrepute.”

Ntlabezo confided in him during the first three months of his tenure as acting mayor that his life had been threatened. Later, it was believed the danger had subsided, but his murder proved otherwise.

Nthatisi acknowledged that others, including Samwu members, have also faced threats, particularly after uncovering instances of “ghost workers” who were receiving salaries without ever reporting to work.

“We discovered ghost workers in the system, some even working overtime while in jail. When we followed this up, the ‘Ntlabezo-like’ threats surfaced,” Nthatisi said, adding the municipality had engaged with police to safeguard workers from intimidation while performing their duties.

Mourners gathered at Mangaung city hall for the memorial service of the late, Luzuko Ntlabezo (48). Photo: Facebook

City manager Sello More said widespread panic gripped the metro following Ntlabezo’s death, especially since he was at the forefront of ensuring water supply in Mangaung. More emphasised the need for caution and warned against speculation, which he said could hinder the investigation and escalate tensions.

“There was a panic that engulfed all of us, but before I talk about that panic, I want to put it straight that we are not intimidated. You can eliminate people but you are not going to eliminate the determination to resolve problems.”

Mangaung Metro city manager, Sello More, speaking at the memorial service of slain water infrastructure manager, Luzuko Ntlabezo (48). Photo: Screengrab

He said even though the motive for Ntlabezo’s murder hadn’t been confirmed, “we cannot ignore the possibility that there are forces within the metro driving certain agendas.

“I’ve heard Luzuko did not sign a certificate worth R100 million, but there is no certificate in the city worth R100 million. We must allow law enforcement to do its work and avoid rumour-mongering that could put people’s lives at further risk.”

He issued a stern warning to those leaking confidential municipal information, including salary details and signatures, on social media. More assured the public that, while they mourn Ntlabezo’s death, the determination to resolve the metro’s problems remains strong.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg