The main building of the Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality was gutted by fire early on Monday morning. The fire damaged the council chamber, LED room and the administration office, and crucial documents were destroyed. The fire follows a complaint to the minister about corruption, a bogus R374,000 workshop, and calls to place the municipality under administration.
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The local resident wrote to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and Eastern Cape MEC Zolile Williams, accusing the municipality of corruption and poor service delivery. Municipal Mayor Mbulelo Jara confirmed the fire incident, and a case of arson has been opened. Investigations are underway, and essential records, including the indigent register all went up in smoke.
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In a statement, the Economic Freedom Fighters said the fire was a sign of the public’s frustration caused by years of corruption. “While the EFF does not support violence or the destruction of infrastructure, it is clear these actions reflect a community pushed to the edge,” said the party. The United Democratic Movement also slammed the municipality for an alleged “bogus workshop” in July 2024. “We know nothing about this workshop and view it as a looting scam,” the UDM said in a letter dated 29 May. Municipal spokesperson Mamela Mangcotywa said service delivery would continue and salaries would be paid despite the fire. The damage is still being assessed.
