A letter from the sheriff was obtained to attach the municipality’s property to settle the amounts owed to the former senior official.

On Thursday (16/1) the municipality's Mistubishi bakkie with an estimated value of R40 000, a Toyota Etios with an estimated value of R30 000, and a Nissan bakkie estimated at R40 000 were attached.

The enforcement award granted to the legal representative of the former legal services manager, Itumeleng Mogaecho also includes an Isuzu truck with an estimated value of R300 000 and a Nissan bakkie valued at R30 000.

The enforcement award granted to the legal representative of the former legal services manager. Document supplied

The Theunissen-based municipality was involved in several cases between Mahaecho, centred around allegations of misconduct, unfair treatment, and the municipality’s failure to comply with awards issued by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council.

Mogaecho’s first suspension was in February 2023 under former acting municipal manager Michelle Sello, followed by two extensions by successive managers.

Wrongful dismissal

He claimed his suspension followed his submission of reports alleging irregularities involving Sello and former municipal manager Lungile Mokoteli.

The municipality was forced to pay damages for wrongful dismissal by October 2024 after being found guilty in separate incidents of unfair labour practices and unfair dismissal against Mogaecho.

It was also ordered to pay damages for unfair labour practices by 31 October. The municipality allegedly failed to comply with these rulings thus resulting in a letter from the sheriff to attach municipal property.

OFM News previously reported that Mogaecho laid criminal charges against municipal manager Mojalefa Matlole and former acting municipal manager, Michelle Sello, accusing them of financial irregularities related to his pension fund.

Mogaecho alleges that both Matlole and Sello failed to make the required pension fund payments on his behalf during his employment at the troubled municipality from 2021 to February 2024.

The SIU initiated an investigation into alleged maladministration and misconduct in Masilonyana in September last year.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed Proclamation 182 of 2024 directs the investigation into two specific tenders in the municipality, which serves Brandfort, Winburg, Theunissen, and Verkeerdevlei. These include the refurbishment of the Brandfort Water Treatment Works and Raw Water Pump Stations, as well as the second phase of upgrading the Brandfort Sports Centre.

OFM News did reach out to the municipality for comment after Mogaecho’s allegations, with no response. A new request has been sent.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg