By OBAKENG MAJE
9 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi to immediately commission a comprehensive forensic investigation into the burning of the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality offices in Christiana. The municipal offices went up in flames on Saturday night and the cause of the fire is still unknown.
The DA spokesperson on SCOPA in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile asked when governance burns, who benefits? Sonakile said they call for an urgent probe into the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality inferno.
“It is not the first time that public infrastructure has gone up in flames in Lekwa-Teemane. Over the years, the municipality has seen fires consume critical facilities, including the town hall, a clinic, and a hospital.
“The pattern is deeply troubling and demands urgent scrutiny. This latest fire comes just days after the municipality appeared before the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), where members expressed outrage at the municipality’s disclaimed audit opinion,” he said.
Sonakile further said this includes the lack of proper supporting documentation. He added that the timing of this fire raises serious concerns and cannot be ignored.
“Facts must be confronted. The committee itself was unequivocal. Destroying or failing to safeguard public records is a criminal offence under the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act.
“The forensic investigation must establish the whereabouts and responsibilities of municipal security personnel at the time of the fire. Whether the municipal offices and their contents were insured and whether this incident may be linked to a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence relevant to financial mismanagement or maladministration,” said Sonakile.
He said in addition, they call on law enforcement authorities to urgently open and pursue a criminal case of arson and for both investigations to be concluded without delay, with findings made fully public. Sonakile said they are determined to uncover the truth.
“The people of Lekwa-Teemane deserve transparency, accountability and justice, not ashes where governance should stand,” he said.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “At this stage, enquiry has been registered regarding the incident and investigations are underway.”
*Meanwhile, the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi was not available for comment as his phone rang unanswered. His response will be incorporated in the article when received.
The Guardian 