The financially struggling Amahlathi Local Municipality, anchored in Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape, had to fork out money to pay for damages to the car of its municipal manager (MM) allegedly by striking municipal employees.

The municipality had to fork out R7766.70 after Zamuxolo Shasha had to replace a tyre on his Ford Ranger.

According to an invoice obtained by African Times, which is dated 28 January 2025, Shasha had to travel to East London to have the tyre replaced at a Tiger Wheel and Tyre outlet.

“The implementation of the High Court Order on standardization invited strike action by our employee. During the strike employees went to the Bush Pig Ridge Office to confront the municipal manager.

“During the confrontation the Ford Ranger belonging to the municipal manager was stabbed on the tyre. The tyre was irreparable. The cost to buy a new tyre amounted to R7 766.70 excluding travelling costs to East London and back.

“Recommendation. It is recommended that the mayor grants the approval for the payment of R7 766.70 to the municipal manager for the costs incurred buying a new tyre,” reads the motivation letter sent to the mayor, Nomakhosazana Nongqayi for approval.

However, a whistleblower within a municipality has come out to allege that the municipality did not verify the claim of the tyre by checking CCTV footage within the office park before approving the claim.

“This claim could be fraudulent, no investigation was done before it was processed,” the whistleblower alleged.

The general manager who made the recommendation, Nkosinathi Mbede said the matter is sub-judice.

“A case for malicious damage to property was opened with SAPS. All related contents of evidence are sub-judice,” Mbende said when the African Times asked questions about the payment.