Both applicants for Tuesday’s interdict, local attorney Andre Brandmuller and SG Coal, told www.mobserver.co.za that if municipal employees do not return to work, they would demand enforcement of the court order by the local SAPS, who are compelled by Tuesday’s High Court ruling to arrest employees in breach of the interdict.

In case of continued failure by the SAPS to enforce the order, both Mr Brandmuller and SG Coal said they would petition the court again to have arrest orders issued against SAPS officers in contempt of court.

Meanwhile, Mr Brandmuller and SG Coal both applied for a stay of judgement on the dissolution of the council and cost orders following Tuesday’s successful application.

Both applicants have 30 days from the order to submit additional filings, where-after, the council will have a 30-day extension to file answering affidavits.
After the 60-day deadline, arguments for dissolution of the council and consequent cost orders will be heard.

The matter will be placed on the opposed roll following the deadline.

Mr Brandmuller, who welcomed the appointment of Municipal Manager Mr Mandla Mnguni, says he’s awaiting further communication from Mr Mnguni’s office on how the municipality plans to credit residents for months without services, despite residents paying.

Workers had still not returned to work, demanding further amendments to an interim agreement between themselves, Mr Mnguni, the council and COGTA MEC Mandla Ndlovu.

It could also not be confirmed ahead of print whether SG Coal and Mr Brandmuller delivered on their promises to seek contempt of court orders against the employees and SAPS.