Makhado Muni’s vehicles seized over unpaid debt
The Makhado Local Muni's financial woes deepen after sheriff seizes its vehicles over an unpaid debt to a security service provider.
LIMPOPO – Vehicles belonging to the Makhado Local Municipality were seized by the sheriff in Louis Trichardt last Tuesday after the municipality failed to pay a service provider.
This followed a court order granted to Landmark Security and Supply Services (Pty) Ltd after a legal battle over an outstanding payment of R2.4m. The company, which won a bid to provide security services to the municipality in 2020, claimed the municipality had not settled its debts. In October, the Limpopo Division of the High Court ordered the municipality to pay the outstanding amount, including interest.
The sheriff attached movable properties, including a grader and two bakkies, to recover the owed amount.
The seizure has disrupted municipal operations, sparking criticism from opposition parties over financial mismanagement.
DA Councillor Glenda Furumela expressed concern, highlighting that the grader was essential for street maintenance in local communities. She criticised municipal officials for financial mismanagement and called for intervention from provincial and national governments, stating that corruption and poor governance were at the root of the municipality’s financial crisis.
EFF councillor Wiseman Ramalwa said he was concerned, but unsurprised by the municipality’s legal troubles. He criticised the lack of accountability from the municipal manager and called for urgent council meetings to address the issue.
Contacted for comment, municipal spokesperson Mpho Rathando said he was awaiting instruction from the municipal manager before doing so.
