SEDIBENG – The Gauteng premier’s office has been asked to urgently intervene following confirmation that the police investigation into the disappearance of the Sedibeng District Municipality’s mayoral chain, reportedly worth R465 000, has been closed.

According to a report published on August 6, the investigation was closed on July 25 after the deputy public prosecutor declined to prosecute. No arrests have been made, and the chain, missing since June 2023, remains unaccounted for.

Democratic Alliance MPL Kingsol Chabalala has written to Premier Panyaza Lesufi, raising concerns about transparency and potential political interference. Chabalala noted that the chain disappeared shortly after the 2023 State of the District Address, but a theft case was only opened later.

“It is disturbing to learn that the SAPS has closed a case relating to the missing mayoral chain without citing reasons or informing the municipal manager,” Chabalala told Ster North. “We suspect there might be political interference which may have influenced the closure.”

Vaalweekblad has also written to the National Prosecuting Authority requesting clarification on why the matter was not prosecuted and whether it could be revisited if new evidence emerges. Feedback is still awaited.

The Sedibeng mayoral chain saga has sparked public outrage since the valuable ceremonial item vanished under unclear circumstances.