Tools downed by employees following arson attack

This time employees are not clamouring for higher salaries but demand the immediate removal of Municipal Manager, Advocate Bheki Khenisa.

Municipal employees gathered at the municipality since early this morning after learning of the arson attack on their colleague and representative, Mr Kgosi Makwati, at his Mhluzi home.

Www.mobserver.co.za reliably learnt that Mr Makwati was specifically targeted in the petrol bombings.

Unconfirmed reports from a number of municipal sources suggest every room of his house had been set alight, as the arsonists followed Mr Makwati throughout his house in his efforts to get to safety. Mr Makwati is in hiding and his phone is turned off.

It is said Mr Makwati eventually escaped through the backdoor where neighbours rushed to his safety, resulting in the arsonists fleeing the scene.

Also read: Municipality on lockdown as protests unfold following arson attack on strike instigator’s house

Municipal employees have demanded the immediate removal of Advocate Khenisa and the reinstatement of all municipal employees dismissed since his arrival in Middelburg.

According to a source, employees feel “targeted, mistreated and demoralized”.

Earlier today, employees dispersed to the Nkangala District Municipality where they called on the district to intervene in the ongoing labour dispute. They have, however, returned to the civic centre where they await dialogue with Mayor Masilela.

Mayor Masilela visited Mr Makwati’s home situated in the mayor’s constituency Ward 21, shortly after 07:00 this morning upon learning of the attack. He condemned the attack and urged police to arrest those responsible.

Advocate Khenisa also strongly condemned the attempt on Mr Makwati’s life.

The municipality said it would update the community on service interruptions after further discussions with the workers.