Municipal grader hijacked, employee assaulted in brazen attack

The Umdoni Municipality has strongly condemned the theft of a grader and the assault of an employee that occurred in Amahlongwa on Wednesday, August 27. The municipality expressed deep concern upon learning about the hijacking of a municipal grader.

Reports indicate that the assailants threatened the grader operator with a firearm before fleeing with the machinery. Fortunately, the employee managed to escape with only minor injuries and is recovering well.

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The Umdoni Municipality has committed to ensuring that the employee receives medical care and professional psychological support to address any trauma experienced during this distressing incident.

Mayor, Cllr MJ Cele-Luthuli has vehemently denounced these actions, stating that such criminal behaviour endangers the lives of employees and undermines the municipality’s efforts to improve service delivery in rural communities.

“We are grateful that our employee’s life was spared during this traumatic ordeal, and we wish him a swift recovery. However, we are profoundly disappointed that there are individuals who would conspire to rob the municipality for personal gain, disregarding the significant benefits these grader services provide to the development of the communities we serve,” said Mayor Cele-Luthuli.

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A case of theft has been formally opened with the Umkomaas SAPS for investigation. According to Umkomaas police spokesperson, Cpt Ranjith Rampersad, a theft case has been registered at Umkomaas SAPS and is being investigated by Sgt N Ramlall.

The SAPS urges anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact the investigating officer on 039 973-3103 or 082 334 9766.