Tension gripped a meeting where the Minister of Rural and Urban Development (MURD), Erastus Uutoni, announced the suspension of the entire Karasburg Council, appointing an administrator in their place.
Pandemonium broke out with heated interjections, and residents showed clear divisions over the minister’s decision to suspend the councillors.
One group questioned the legality of the decision, while another argued that aggrieved parties should seek legal recourse.
Some of the suspended councillors say the minister’s announcement over their fate under the guise of a courtesy visit caught them by surprise.
Minister Uutoni maintained that his decision was within the guidelines of the law.
The Minister explained that he suspended the council as provided for by Section 92 of the Local Authorities Act.
Reasons cited include alleged maladministration, defying ministerial directives, financial mismanagement, interference in administration, and illegal conduct by councillors.
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