BREAKING NEWS: Government Garage strips Mangaung Metro of 34 vehicles over unpaid debt while politicians keep theirs

Staff Reporter

Bloemfontein – The Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, through Government Garage, has dealt a major blow to Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality after repossessing at least 34 municipal vehicles due to outstanding payments.

Information obtained by STEP UP SA NEWS indicates that the seized fleet includes:

• 3 BMW motorcycles
• 4 Chevrolet vehicles
• 4 Nissan vehicles
• 19 Volkswagen vehicles
• 1 Ford vehicle
• 3 Toyota vehicles

Sources indicate that 24 of the vehicles were allocated to the Traffic Department, while the remaining 10 belonged to Corporate Services.

The removal of the vehicles is expected to severely affect service delivery and law enforcement operations within the metro, worse with 30 June earmarked to be national shutdown.

In May, 148people were arrested during a protest in Mangaung.

WATCH

Just last week, Mangaung Metro shut at least five tuckshops in Thaba Nchu due to noncompliance.

Weapons and pots seized as authorities clear occupants from Mangaung tunnels

However, STEP UP SA NEWS can confirm that vehicles assigned to political office bearers, including those used by the Executive Mayor, Chief Whip and other senior politicians, were not among those collected by the Government Garage.

Sources within the Department of Community Safety Roads and Transport explain that that Mangaung Metro owes Government Garage more than R23 million in unpaid fees.

Hilary Mophethe, spokesperson for CSR&T and Nicolette Maysiels, acting spokesperson for MMM had not responded to questions sent by STEP UP SA NEWS at the time of publication.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Support Independent Journalism

Stories like this matter. Accountability matters. Truth matters.

If you believe in fearless, independent reporting that holds power to account, help us keep going.

Your contribution, even as little as R10 makes a difference.
Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB: 63110371703

If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp: 068 507 6731

Independent. Unbought. Unfiltered.