KEY POINTS
- Two Ekurhuleni municipal workers were arrested for stealing a city TLB machine.
- Officials say the theft was an inside job, and an investigation is ongoing.
- The city has warned that all corrupt officials will face legal consequences.
Authorities in Ekurhuleni have arrested two municipal workers for allegedly stealing a tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB), a vital piece of city equipment.
Municipal spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed that the machine went missing in December 2024 when it was illegally removed without authorization to perform private work in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni.
After a thorough investigation, law enforcement officials tracked down and arrested the two employees on Monday, February 3, in Brakpan.
City officials condemn theft of public resources
Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Roads and Transport Management, Andile Mngwevu, strongly condemned the theft, calling it an abuse of public trust and resources.
“We cannot allow municipal workers to steal from the very people they are meant to serve,” said Mngwevu.
According to IOL, he stressed that public money must be protected, and when officials misuse government assets, there will be legal consequences.
“When you steal from us, we open a case, and the police must arrest you. The law must take its course.”
Furthermore, Mngwevu added that the city would take every possible action to recover the missing machinery and bring all those involved to justice.
Investigation points to an inside job
Officials suspect that the theft was an inside job, prompting the municipality to open a case with Brakpan police for further investigation.
Authorities warned that any workers found involved in similar activities would face prosecution and called on members of the public to report corruption within the municipality.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, an Eastern Cape municipal employee was arrested in January for allegedly defrauding the Mzimvubu Local Municipality of R2 million ($106 million).
The Hawks arrested three suspects, including the employee’s brother and former boyfriend, on fraud and money laundering charges.
Officials continue to clamp down on financial misconduct and theft across different municipalities.
