By OBAKENG MAJE
The situation was volatile at the North West Social Development offices in Mahikeng on Friday. This comes after the suspended Director of Supply Chain Management, Job Mnguni allegedly tried to force his way into the building.
According to information, Mnguni arrived at work with over ten heavily armed bodyguards.
Mnguni is one of three suspended officials by the North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa on Thursday over the ‘irregular’ awarding of R133 million security tender.
National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) in Mahikeng, instructed its members to return home due to the scuffle that ensued. NEHAWU regional deputy chairperson in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Godfrey Manduba said their members are not safe at work.
“What transpired today cannot be allowed. Imagine, the Director of Supply Chain Management (SCM) arrived at work with ten heavily armed bodyguards in the public service offices. This is actually a transgression of public service regulations.
“Live ammunition is not permitted in the workplace, but this Director comes to work with such heavily armed men. What about the safety of the workers and the community that utilises the services of these offices? It means their safety is at risk because these men are unknown,” Manduba said.
He further said, the department has security guards on site, but someone brings extra ten security guards with live ammunition to the workplace. Manduba added that their members cannot be part of such.
“So, it is on that basis that we instructed our members to go home because they are not safe. They will stay home until the department guarantees their safety,” he said.
The North West Department of Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “We assure that everything will return to normalcy on Monday. We will make sure that there is stability in the department. The employees will be able to execute their duties without any hindrance.”
Meanwhile, Moiloa said in a statement that, she placed these officials under precautionary suspension due to numerous complaints she received regarding irregularities in awarding of a security tender. She said her department has established prima-face information that led to the suspension of the officials.
“These officials have been placed on a 30-day immediate precautionary suspension due to the seriousness of the allegations levelled against them. In dealing with this matter expeditiously and efficiently, the department intends to adhere strictly to the prescribed time frames to bring the investigations to finality.
“These precautionary suspensions should serve as a deterrent to other officials in the department, who may be involved in any corrupt activities. We are serious about zero tolerance for corruption in the department. We want clean governance,” said Moiloa.
The Guardian 