The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) North West has begun the process of preparing a criminal case against the JB Marks Local Municipality.

This is in relation to issues highlighted in Auditor-General’s published findings that shines the spotlight on deteriorating municipal services, environmental pollution and road infrastructure failures.

The ACDP has launched a public appeal calling on residents, businesses, community organisations, professionals, and industry experts to assist in compiling a comprehensive body of evidence relating to three key areas of concern.

These areas are environmental evidence and professional testing, evidence of road damage, vehicle damage and accidents and evidence supporting Auditor-General findings.

According to the ACDP North West Provincial Chief Whip, Louis Loots, the initiative forms part of a “broader effort to hold those responsible accountable and to secure tangible improvements for residents and businesses across the municipality.”

Following consultations with the South African Police Service, the ACDP was advised that sufficient supporting evidence must first be gathered before a criminal case can formally be opened.

Appeal 1: Environmental Evidence and Professional Testing

The first appeal focuses on the ongoing sewage pollution and environmental concerns affecting local rivers and water systems, particularly the Mooirivier.

The ACDP is calling on environmental specialists, laboratories, engineering firms, scientific institutions, businesses, and community organisations that have the capability to conduct water quality testing, environmental assessments, or pollution monitoring to come forward and assist.

Residents who have photographs, videos, reports, laboratory results, or documented incidents relating to sewage spills, river contamination, health concerns, fish deaths, environmental degradation, or pollution events are encouraged to submit this information.

The objective is to establish an independent evidence base that can accurately measure the extent of environmental harm and determine whether municipal failures have contributed to pollution risks affecting local communities.

Appeal 2: Evidence of Road Damage, Vehicle Damage and Accidents

The second appeal relates to the condition of roads throughout the municipality.

The ACDP is requesting assistance from motorists, transport operators, logistics companies, insurers, repair workshops, towing services, road safety experts, and members of the public who have experienced losses or incidents directly linked to road conditions.

Evidence sought includes:

• Photographs and videos of potholes and damaged roads.
• Vehicle repair invoices and quotations.
• Insurance claims related to road damage.
• Wheel, tyre, suspension and alignment repair records.
• Accident reports where road conditions were a contributing factor.
• Evidence relating to missing or damaged road markings.
• Evidence relating to malfunctioning or absent traffic signals.
• Reports involving defective or missing traffic signs.
• Records of injuries or fatalities linked to poor road conditions.

The ACDP believes that the collection of documented damage and accident data will help establish the extent of the impact that deteriorating infrastructure has had on residents, businesses and road users.

Appeal 3: Additional Evidence Supporting Auditor-General Findings

The third appeal concerns matters highlighted in the Auditor-General’s published findings relating to the J.B. Marks Local Municipality.

The Auditor-General’s report recorded extensive repetitive material findings across several governance, financial management, procurement, performance management and compliance categories, including findings relating to irregular expenditure, unauthorised expenditure, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, procurement controls, financial reporting, contract management, leadership oversight and consequence management.

The ACDP is calling on residents, contractors, suppliers, former employees, whistle-blowers, community organisations and businesses that have previously lodged complaints with the municipality to provide additional supporting information where available.

Evidence may include:

• Correspondence with municipal officials.
• Service delivery complaints.
• Contractual documentation.
• Procurement-related records.
• Reports submitted to oversight bodies.
• Responses received from the municipality.
• Evidence of alleged maladministration, negligence or non-compliance.
• Any documents that may support or supplement findings already recorded in public audit reports.

“The purpose of this initiative is not only to seek accountability for past failures, but also to secure meaningful improvements for our community. Those responsible must be held accountable where evidence justifies such action, while residents and affected parties should be empowered to come forward, assist the investigation process and, where necessary, pursue their own legal remedies. Together we can work towards safer roads, a cleaner environment, stronger governance and a municipality that serves its people effectively,” stated Loots.

Members of the public wishing to contribute evidence, reports, photographs, testing results or supporting documentation are encouraged to contact the ACDP and assist in building a comprehensive evidence file for submission to investigators.

The public can get into contact with the ACDP via email at ACDPLegal.NW@gmail.com