Workers at the dysfunctional Ditsobotla local municipality in North West relived the pain they went through allegedly at the hands of bouncers from a security company that was apparently deployed unlawfully.
The municipal employees said they got the shock of their lives when they were barred by security officers from Phakamani Power Holdings from entering the municipality when they reported for duty on Monday.
Several videos depicted scenes of gunshots being fired outside the offices in Lichtenburg and the workers pelting a security vehicle with stones.
The workers said when they arrived at the municipal building, officers from Carewell Security Services, which is contracted with the municipality, told them that they were physically removed by the personnel from Phakamani and told they are the new security firm in charge.
Employee Tshepo Phetoe said the Phakamani officers did not want to listen to them when they were asked why they had locked the gates.
‘’When we got here, we tried to engage with them and ask them why they are preventing us from entering our building. We pleaded with them and told them we do not want violence. They refused to listen to us and pushed us. They were about 40 of them and they were carrying rifles,’’ said Phetoe.
‘’We started pushing the gates to force our way in and the bouncers blocked the gates and some of them started shooting in the air. I think they were trying to scare us. We then decided to fight back. We threw stones and bottles,’’ said Phetoe.
Another employee, Makeba Kgotlabeng, said the bouncers shot at them with live ammunition.
North West police spokesperson Col Adele Myburgh said they are investigating two cases of malicious damage to property.
Myburgh said one person has been admitted to hospital following the incident.
Phakamani owner Sthembiso Hlatshwayo said he received a letter on July 15 from acting municipal manager Josephine Ledwaba to “kindly deploy your 40 bouncers or close protection service guards at municipal main building”.
‘’We received a letter of appointment stating that we should be on site at the municipality on July 18. When we arrived there we told the guards of the other security company that we are the new company and we are taking over. We showed them the letter and they left the premises,’’ said Hlatshwayo.
‘’We were told by MaLedwaba that we should guard the building until 9am. She told us that no-one should enter the building until the municipal manager [Ledwaba] and the MEC arrived at 9am. I do not know the MEC. She did not say the name of the MEC,’’ Hlatshwayo said.
When asked if he asked Ledwaba to show proof that she is the acting municipal manager of Ditsobotla, Hlatshwayo said: ‘’I am a businessman. I do not check those things. I was called and asked for security services and provided her with a quotation.’’
Carewell owner Jacob Rasimphi said he is devastated by what happened to his workers.
‘’I am glad that none of my workers got injured. I hope the municipality and the police will deal with this matter.’’
Carewell was appointed on a 24-month contract by Ditsobotla, starting on August 1 last year until August 23 2023.
When Ledwaba was contacted for comment, an unidentified woman answered the phone and said she does not know who Ledwaba is.
‘’I do not know this Ledwaba woman. I live in Nelpsruit in Mpumalanga. I was also called on Monday by someone who was also looking for this Ledwaba person. I do not know who she is,’’ said the woman.
When Sowetan tried to contact Ledwaba on another number, the phone went to voicemail several times.
Ledwaba did not respond to text messages that were sent to her as well.
kokam@sowetan.co.za
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