Two Municipal Workers Arrested for Stealing a TLB in Ekurhuleni
LTwo municipal employees have been arrested for allegedly stealing a **tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) machine** in Ekurhuleni. The suspects were apprehended after an internal investigation revealed that the machine was illegally removed in December 2024 and used for unauthorized private work in Vosloorus.
## **Investigation and Arrest**
According to **Ekurhuleni municipal spokesman Zweli Dlamini**, the theft was discovered when the TLB, a valuable piece of municipal equipment, went missing. Authorities launched an internal probe, which eventually led to the arrest of two municipal workers in **Brakpan on Monday, February 3, 2025**.
The investigation suggests that the theft was an **inside job**, as municipal employees had access to the machinery and its operational details. The stolen equipment was allegedly taken without authorization and used for private construction work. The municipality has confirmed that disciplinary action will be taken against the arrested workers in addition to the criminal charges they now face.
## **Municipal Leaders Condemn the Theft**
The **Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Management, Andile Mngwevu**, strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing that corruption and theft within government institutions must not be tolerated.
> “We cannot allow such thuggery to persist in our space without consequences,” Mngwevu stated. “We are here to serve the community, and this is public money that we must protect. Whatever infrastructure we purchase with public funds must serve our people.”
Mngwevu further stressed that the municipality will ensure that those responsible for the theft are held accountable. He assured the public that measures will be put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
## **Police Investigation and Criminal Charges**
Ekurhuleni district police spokeswoman **Captain Neldah Sekgobela** confirmed that a **case of theft** has been opened at the **Brakpan Police Station**. The authorities suspect that the theft was orchestrated by individuals who had intimate knowledge of municipal operations, which strengthens the case against the arrested employees.
The police are continuing their investigation to determine whether additional individuals were involved in the crime. Efforts are also being made to recover the stolen TLB machine.
## **The Impact of the Theft on the Community**
The theft of municipal machinery such as a TLB has serious consequences for **public service delivery**. These machines are essential for **road maintenance, construction projects, and other infrastructure development**. When such resources are stolen or misused, it directly affects service delivery to the residents of Ekurhuleni.
Local community members have expressed frustration over the incident, calling for stricter measures to prevent municipal theft and corruption. Some have raised concerns about whether other municipal assets have been misused in similar ways in the past.
## **Conclusion**
The arrest of these two municipal workers highlights the **importance of accountability and transparency in local government**. Authorities have promised to take **decisive action** against corruption, and the public will be closely watching how this case unfolds. If found guilty, the suspects could face severe legal consequences, sending a strong message that theft and corruption will not be tolerated within municipal structures.
