Chaos and frustration at municipality as computers are seized by sheriff

Services at Greater Tzaneen Municipality came to a standstill when various electronic devices and goods were taken over unpaid debt.

Goods taken

Goods to the value of more than R2 million were seized by the Letaba sheriff today, August 24, at the Greater Tzaneen Municipality in Limpopo, Letaba Herald reports.

Six computers (including screens, keyboards etc.), three plasma television screens, a scanner, an Isuzu bakkie and a Toyota Quantum were all seized during what was the third seizure of goods at GTM this year.

The sheriff had paid a visit to the GTM on July 12 this year.

Residents who were looking to settle their accounts or pay for amenities such as water and electricity were left frustrated as the municipality could not provide them with the necessary services after the computers were seized.

Apparently, this will also not be the last time goods are seized from GTM.

Six computers, three television screens and a scanner were seized in today’s seizure. Photo: Blake Linder

The Toyota Quantum which was taken in today’s seizure. Photo: Blake Linder

There have been countless calls and messages from infuriated residents who were not able to pay their bills or pay for their vehicle licences due to the seizure.

“I came here to renew my vehicle licence as it has expired, only to find that they cannot assist me because their devices have been seized. Now, what am I going to tell the traffic officer who pulls me over, checks my licence disc and sees that my licence has expired? Will our mayor be able to pay my fine?” enquired an infuriated resident.

The Isuzu bakkie that was taken in today’s seizure. Photo: Blake Linder

According to other Tzaneen residents, they are aware they can go to the Post Office for their vehicle licences, but the printer at the Post Office has not been functioning for the past two weeks.