This is according to the Mangaung Metro City Manager, Sello More, who addressed the media outside the Bram Fischer Building after Mangaung employees were bemused as metro police locked them out. OFM News earlier reported that members of the metro police unit had barricaded access points to Mangaung’s headquarters, allegedly due to appointment letters that they have not received yet before they had to resume their duties.

According to More, there have been serious engagements about the metro police, which has also affected residents of Mangaung at large. He alluded that the metro police have to step back as they are busy sorting out issues of civil society, including labour.

“We are at a very advanced stage in terms of resolving the issues. We've met with civil society and the unions on Tuesday, and our meetings will continue today. I’m hopeful that we are not far from reaching a solution to this matter,” he adds.

More says he hopes that all involved stakeholders, including Mangaung pressure groups and the unions, will reach a positive conclusion soon. He further stated that the suspension of Patrick Monyakoane has nothing to do with the Mangaung council, as it is politically affiliated.  

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi