Oudtshoorn, 8 April 2019 – The Oudtshoorn Municipality has initiated preventative steps with reference to incidents of intimidation and threats levelled at officials during the past week.
These safeguarding measures will take effect from Tuesday, 9 April 2019.
Municipal Manager, Allen Paulse, says the preventative security measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of municipal officials, protection of municipal property as well as ensuring that municipal services can continue unabated.
“We have become aware of some serious threats against officials and the institution at large, that we simply cannot afford to ignore. It would be irresponsible at this stage not to step up our security measures, however we are hopeful that they will only be in place for a short period. We have also been in contact with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in this regard,” Paulse added.
The municipality urges members of the public to take necessary steps in airing any grievances and concerns procedurally, and within the ambits of the law. “We are open for business and always prepared to assist members of the public with any concerns they may have.”
Paulse says the municipality could not rule out the possibility that the motive behind the threats, may be politically motivated in the run up to the National elections on 8 May.