Cosatu chairperson Tiiseto Mahlatsi has called for immediate action into the alleged missing firearms, linking the incident to the emergence of a rogue unit within the ailing municipality.

Mahlatsi said they have been informed of the existence of a rogue unit operating in Matjhabeng, claiming the union has consistently raised with the provincial government. The union believes this rogue unit has no place in local government, highlighting its existence reflects serious mismanagement. According to Mahlatsi the unit is not only undermining the core responsibilities of the municipality but also wasting public resources.

 “We are not an army-related institution, we are tasked with service delivery to the community so at no stage will it warrant a municipality to establish a rogue unit."  

"We want that to be investigated so that the public has to know who initiated such a thing, for what purpose, with what money, and how much were the costs instituting this rogue unit. This also involves the missing firearms of the municipality. We want it to be investigated as to what happened to them and what has been done by the municipality to recover it." 

He said the importance of addressing any corrupt elements involved, questioning whether a formal case has been opened regarding the missing firearms.

Matjhabeng is amongst Free State municipalites, which has faced significant criticism in recent years, and continues to grapple with ongoing legal and financial challenges. 

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg