Mayor Mangaung announces end of corruption era after murder in subway

Gregory Nthatisi told mourners at the memorial service of murdered accounting officer Luzuko Ntlabezo (48) at Bloemfontein City Hall on Wednesday (23/10) that running a metro plagued by corruption scandals is “an enormous challenge”.

Ntlabezo, who had worked in the metro for more than a decade, was shot by an unknown assailant outside the council offices in Rocklands on Thursday (17/10). His murder has led to calls for an end to the harassment of municipal officials in the province.

Nthatisi said corruption has crippled the metro’s financial stability and service delivery, forcing it into administration. He inherited “a broken system” in which “syndicates” determined the fate of the municipality, but promised under his leadership that this situation would end.

“Our job… is to transform (Mangaung) so that we can serve the people of the metro. We will not allow troublemakers to dictate how we behave.

“Where services are provided, there is money involved, and where there is money, corruption lurks. We will not tolerate those who have brought this municipality into disrepute.”

Ntlabezo confided to him during the first three months of his term as acting mayor that his life had been threatened. Later it was believed that the danger had passed, but his murder proved otherwise.

Nthatisi acknowledged that others, including Samwu members, have also faced threats, especially after discovering cases of “ghost workers” receiving salaries without ever reporting to work.

“We discovered ghost workers in the system, some even working overtime while in prison. When we followed up on this, the ‘Ntlabezo-like’ threats surfaced,” Nthatisi said, adding that the municipality had called in the police to protect employees from harassment while carrying out their duties.

Mourners gathered at Mangaung City Hall for the memorial service of the late Luzuko Ntlabezo (48). Photo: Facebook

City manager Sello More said there was widespread panic in the metro following Ntlabezo’s death, especially since he was at the forefront of ensuring water supply in Mangaung. More stressed the need for caution and warned against speculation, which he said could hamper the investigation and escalate tensions.

“There was a panic that engulfed all of us, but before I talk about that panic, I want to make it clear that we are not intimidated. You can eliminate people, but you’re not going to eliminate the determination to solve problems.”

Mangaung Metro City Manager Sello More speaks during the memorial service of murdered water infrastructure manager Luzuko Ntlabezo (48). Photo: Screengrab

He said that even though the motive for Ntlabezo’s murder has not yet been confirmed, “we cannot ignore the possibility that there are forces within the metro driving certain agendas.

“I heard that Luzuko did not sign a certificate worth R100 million, but there is no certificate in the city worth R100 million. We must let law enforcement do its job and avoid spreading rumors that could further endanger people’s lives.”

He issued a stern warning to those who leaked confidential municipal information, including salary details and signatures, on social media. More assured the public that while they mourn the death of Ntlabezo, the resolve to solve the metro’s problems remains strong.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg