Former NPA boss Menzi Simelane is part of a government team sent to the North West to help turn around embattled municipalities, eNCA reported on Friday.

Simelane lost his job as national director of public prosecutions after the Constitutional Court found his appointment by President Jacob Zuma was unconstitutional and invalid.

Tlokwe municipality, where ANC mayor Maphetle Maphetle was unseated last week, was on the list of towns to be visited by the team.

It would also attend to Madibeng, Maquassi Hills, Ditsobotla, and Matlosana.

North West Premier Thandi Modise this week asked the public service and administration department to help the troubled municipalities.

Department spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya said the team would look at “reviewing organisational structures, departmental performance, and efficiencies” in the municipalities.

“The request from the premier is for us to assist in resolving immediate governance and administration challenges,” Mabaya was quoted as saying.

“The team is led by the [director general Mashwahle Diphofu]… and two of our advisers, Mr Silumko Sokupa and advocate Menzi Simelane, who will focus on addressing issues related to fraud, corruption, and maladministration.”

SAPA