Highvelder received a tip-off from a reliable source that the Msukaligwa mayoral chain of office has allegedly gone missing.

The chain of office represents the responsibility, authority and dignity which are attached to the office of the mayor.

Mayoral chains are formal, full-dress type of regalia and features the engraved name and term of each successive mayor.

Highvelder has reached out to the Msukaligwa Municipality’s spokesman, Mr Mandla Zwane, to enquire about the chain’s whereabouts and the allegation about it having gone missing.

He informed the Highvelder that he was out of office and would only be able to confirm or deny the allegation of the source on Tuesday, 9 November.

According to an article by the Independent Online a new phenomenon of corruption has been uncovered in some local municipalities in South Africa, where municipal officials, in collaboration with councillors, allegedly enrich themselves by stealing the mayoral chains, some of which are worth up to R1 million.

The Msukaligwa mayoral chain of office’s value could not be established as yet.

Mayoral chains are ornamental chains worn by mayors around their necks at official events as a sign of dignity.

This is however, a developing story and all information is considered hearsay until a response from the official and relevant authority has been obtained.

Highvelder will keep its readers updated.