Discussions are underway between the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality and the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services about possibly constructing a correctional facility in the fastest-growing Limpopo council.
Spokesperson Thabiso Mokoena said Mayor Eddie Maila and Municipal Manager Mogaramedi Makgata met with a Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services delegation in Pretoria on Wednesday, November 7. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the building of a correctional centre in the area.
He said the ministerial delegation consisted of Professor Pelmos Mashabela, the Special Advisor to Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola, and Bruce Serala, his Chief of Staff.
“In his presentation, the Municipal Manager Mogaramedi Makgata outlined the objectives of having such a facility in the Municipality. The main feature of a growing economy is crime, and with correctional facilities, crime will be reduced, employment opportunities will be created, and many business opportunities will emerge to support the activities of the facility,” said Mokoena.
Mokoena mentioned that the discussions were focused on the plans to transform Burgersfort into a Platinum City.
He stated that the planned prison was part of the city’s drive to tackle the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
“The department and the Municipality will establish a work stream that will work on the modalities of the project and other related activities. The Municipality is on course to attract investors and government departments to have a footprint in Fetakgomo-Tubatse. The vision is now becoming a reality,” said Mokoena.
The planned correctional facility is one of the major projects announced by the municipality in recent months. This includes the development of a mall and other electricity generation projects.
Maila recently unveiled a new fleet of vehicles as part of her efforts to address the crime issue. These vehicles are specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of our local law enforcement.
Among these vehicles, there are four sedans that feature renowned brands such as BMW.
Mokoena said the sedans have been specifically designed for security purposes, with the primary goal of ensuring the safety of communities and municipal assets.
In addition, the fleet consists of three Golf 8 vehicles, which are well-known for their sleek design and advanced technological features.
He added that these vehicles have been meticulously selected to assist in risk assessment activities, offering a dependable way to collect vital information for effectively mitigating potential threats.
“In addition, to strengthen law enforcement efforts and improve mobility in urban and rural areas with a significant impact, we have added a total of ten bakkies to our fleet. These vehicles are designed specifically to navigate challenging terrains and provide law enforcement personnel with better accessibility to different locations. They are versatile and can adapt to various situations.”
