Virtually 80% of the beleaguered Matjhabeng fleet was returned to the municipality, and services resumed as normal on Friday morning.
Residents were surprised when the compactor trucks belonging to the new fleet were seen zipping up and down the roads in the Welkom suburbs, collecting refuse.
But then disaster struck again when an urgent court application by the Matjhabeng Municipality to prevent the companies who had obtained a court order to remove municipal assets in lieu of R61 million owed to them, failed.
On Friday the 15 companies who had initiated the original order to have the sheriff remove the municipal assets, were again granted an order to attach these vehicles.
Tshediso Tlali, municipal spokesperson, says the municipality is conferring with its legal team about the new turn of events.
At a media briefing on Thursday, Thandoluxu Khalipha, executive mayor of Matjhabeng, spoke about the municipality’s stance on corruption.
The municipality is collaborating with law enforcement agencies such as the Hawks and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to look into fraud and corruption cases.
“This collaboration demonstrates a strong commitment by the municipality to root out wrongdoing within the institution,” said Khalipha.
The executive mayor has issued an instruction to the municipal manager and other senior officials to assist and collaborate with law enforcement agencies in ensuring that all necessary information and resources are devoted to these investigations.
“To demonstrate the view the municipality has when it comes to corruption, we are willing to explore legal avenues to blacklist contractors and consultants if found guilty for municipal related projects.”
