The departmental spokesperson, Sello Dithebe, tells OFM News that the threats will not dissuade the department from carrying out its duties, as everything the officials do, they do within the boundaries of the law and the constitution. It is alleged that the death threats surfaced weeks after certain reports on ailing municipalities were tabled. Dithebe stated the department has to fix municipalities and no amount of threats or deterrence will dissuade them from doing their work as they should.

He further stated that such acts of threats made against Duma’s life would be a despicable act. “The alleged threats should also be followed up by law enforcement agencies and I am sure that the HOD will assist law enforcement agencies to follow up on these threats,” explained Dithebe. 

He does not believe that the threats are in any way connected to the municipalities that have asked for a bailout from the department.  

ALSO READ: Eleven Free State municipalities beg for bailout

OFM News previously reported a total of eleven cash-strapped Free State municipalities have reportedly approached the provincial departments of Finance and Cooperative Governance (Cogta) for bailouts. This follows merely two months after the 2021/22 financial year-end. The municipalities, which include Masilonyana, Kopanong and other struggling municipalities, have failed to pay workers’ salaries or meet their monthly obligations, among other issues.

ALSO READ: No bail-out for troubled Masilonyana municipality - FS Cogta

The department has previously refused to bail out the Masilonyana Municipality, with the reason that the department’s budget was a bit constrained owing to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

OFM News/Bambatha Giko