The mystery of the missing R465,000 Sedibeng mayoral chain has deepened, as Gauteng police officially closed their investigation without making any arrests and with the precious chain still unaccounted for. The announcement, made this week, has reignited public frustration and concerns about transparency within the Sedibeng District Municipality.
The ceremonial chain—an important symbol of mayoral authority—disappeared following the State of the District Address on June 23, 2023, last reportedly seen in the office of Mayor Lerato Maloka. Curiously, a theft case was only opened months later, in November 2023, raising eyebrows over the delay.
Police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the investigation ended without any suspects identified. Furthermore, the National Prosecuting Authority declined to prosecute due to insufficient evidence, officially closing the chapter on the case on July 25, 2025.
Political voices have condemned the outcome. Democratic Alliance MPL Kingsol Chabalala called the closure “disturbing,” demanding immediate intervention from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. In a pointed letter, Chabalala warned, “The disappearance of a R465,000 ceremonial asset undermines public trust in the municipality’s leadership.”
Adding to the confusion, questions linger about the chain’s true ownership. Reports suggest it might actually belong to the Emfuleni Local Municipality due to an unauthorized swap years ago, complicating accountability even further.
Public frustration reached a boiling point last year, when the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) staged protests demanding answers. Yet, neither Sedibeng nor Emfuleni municipalities have provided clarity on the chain’s whereabouts or addressed accusations of mismanagement—leaving residents and observers disillusioned and demanding transparency.
