The allegations surfaced after reports claimed Gregory Nthatisi had promised the parents of the deceased employment and assistance with funeral arrangements in exchange for not suing the municipality. 

Olowethu Siyale, 8, a Grade 3 learner at Fadimehang Primary in Section A, Botshabelo, was laid to rest on Saturday (27/6) after she was killed by a municipal water tanker. She died on the evening of Friday (12/6) at around 20:45 while residents were collecting water from a municipal tanker in Ward 33.

Her father, Lehlohonolo Siyale, said the truck allegedly ran over the child as it was leaving the area. She was declared dead on the scene.

‘Acknowledged the tragedy’

Addressing a media briefing at the municipality’s headquarters last week, Nthatisi acknowledged the tragedy and said it highlighted the shared responsibility of communities, parents and the municipality in ensuring safety during water distribution operations.

“We have had a recent incident where kids would play around our trucks when they take water, where we would have serious problems, and they got injured; one passed on. 

“This was a matter that involves communities and the municipality in terms of how services must be provided, the role that must be played by parents, community and municipality.”

Visiting the family and offering support formed part of the municipality’s responsibility whenever residents were affected by tragic incidents involving the metro, said Nthatisi.

“As government, we do so in any scenario, but that reduced to bribery; we detest that with the condemnation it deserves. We do not stop going to communities faced with serious challenges; where we are affected, we will always serve our communities, whether directly or indirectly, you will find us there.”

He dismissed suggestions that the municipality’s assistance amounted to an attempt to influence the family’s legal options. 

Any family who believes they have a claim against the municipality is entitled to approach the courts, adding the metro also has the right to defend itself.

Litigation against municipalities is part of a democratic society and local governments are regularly faced with legal claims amounting to millions or even billions of rand, he added.

The circumstances surrounding Olowethu’s death remain under investigation.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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