a day ago
Mpumalanga premier warns against interruption of government projects
The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, has warned against the interruption of government projects at the Mthethomusha Nature Reserve near the Mpakeni Settlement.
This as the government is spending R4m on infrastructure upgrades and R10m on drilling and the installation of water ponds there.
The projects are under threat as the Ward 24 councillor, Mandla Siboza, and members of the local Traditional Council were intimidated by suspected syndicates, who demand a share in the projects.
Siboza was attacked at his home in Daantjie (Oggo Section) near the nature reserve on May 31 at around 02:00.
His house and vehicle were fired at with high-calibre firearms and he later told Lowvelder Express that he believed that the attack was a warning against his involvement in the projects at the nature reserve.
ALSO READ: Bail for seven in Lydenburg shoot-out case
Siboza's belief was echoed by the Office of the Premier when calling for the government projects to continue without interference.
'Any interruption of government projects will not be tolerated,' warned Ndlovu.
He said the project was designed to provide water to wild animals and to upgrade infrastructure, to prevent them from crossing into local villages and farms.
'The project is under threat as a local councillor and members of the Traditional Authority are intimidated to accede to the demands of people who want a share,' added Ndlovu.
He has so far met with the security cluster, led by the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, and the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, in Mbombela on Tuesday, June 3.
The MEC for economic development and tourism, Makhosazana Masilela, and other senior government officials also attended the meeting.
'Perpetrators of these threats must be arrested to face the full might of the law. The victims must lay criminal charges for police investigation,' said Ndlovu.
He added that the Mthethomusha project would benefit communities living on the edges of the reserve, through job creation and contract opportunities.
'The project will provide water for elephants that break out of the nature reserve in search of the natural resources outside,' said Ndlovu.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has confirmed that the projects at Mthethomusha were ongoing.
'R4m is being spent on infrastructure that includes the building's renovation and entrance gate, while R10m is for the bulk water and resuscitation of water ponds for the animals,' said the MTPA's spokesperson, Simphiwe Shungube.
Police investigators have so far met with Siboza on several occasions in order to connect the dots after this publication had reported about his belief that his attack was related to the projects at the nature reserve.
No arrest has been made in connection with the shooting at Siboza's home thus far.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
