Gauteng police close probe into missing mayoral chain worth R465 000

Gauteng police have shut down their investigation into the disappearance of Sedibeng’s R465,000 mayoral chain, with no arrests made and the symbolic piece of regalia still missing more than two years later.

This follows the mysterious disappearance of the R465 000 mayoral chain after the State of the District Address on June 23, 2023.

Mayor Lerato Maloka had allegedly placed it on a shelf in her office, but it was never seen again.

A case of theft was only officially opened in November 2023, nearly five months after the chain disappeared. The lengthy delay in reporting the matter has fuelled speculation about possible cover-ups and raised questions about why immediate steps were not taken to recover the costly ceremonial item.

Gauteng police have since closed their investigation into the missing ceremonial mayoral chain, with no arrests made and the valuable symbol of office still unaccounted for.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that no arrests had been made and directed inquiries to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“A theft case was opened and investigations were conducted, and the docket was brought before the Deputy Public Prosecutor, who declined to prosecute; hence, the matter was closed on 25 July 2025. 

“For more information on reasons not to prosecute, kindly contact the NPA. No one was arrested in this matter. Like any other case, should there be new information/evidence, the case can be reopened to investigate the new info.”

DA MPL Kingsol Chabalala described the case closure as disturbing, criticising SAPS for failing to provide a clear reason.

“It is disturbing to learn that the SAPS has closed a case relating to the missing mayoral chain in Sedibeng District Municipality without citing the reason. This is a serious matter that leaves suspicions as the case has been suddenly closed without any arrests or recoveries of the mayoral chain.

Chabalala has submitted a letter to MEC for COGTA Jacob Mamabolo and Premier Panyaza Lesufi, demanding an explanation for why the investigation was closed without any resolution.

He also called on Premier Lesufi’s office to initiate an urgent, independent investigation into the disappearance of the mayoral chain, aiming to uncover the circumstances surrounding its loss and why the theft was not immediately reported to the police.

Additionally, he requested clarity on why the police closed the case, including access to any documentation or findings that informed their decision.

“The disappearance of a ceremonial asset valued at nearly half a million rand, coupled with the lack of transparency and accountability, undermines public trust in the municipality’s leadership. Your intervention is critical to restoring confidence and ensuring that those responsible for any negligence or misconduct are held accountable. I trust that your office will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it demands. Please keep me informed of any actions taken or progress made in addressing this issue.” The letter reads.

Chabalala further said that political interference may have played a role in the case’s closure. He added that if Premier Lesufi is serious about tackling corruption, he must intervene to ensure justice for the mayoral chain, a valuable symbol belonging to the residents of Sedibeng. 

He also confirmed that questions will be tabled in Parliament to demand answers.

The case has sparked public outrage, with the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) holding protests in June 2024 to demand an investigation into the missing mayoral chain.

Previously, as reported by IOL, five mayoral chains have been lost across South Africa, including the recently missing Sedibeng mayoral chain.

In KwaZulu-Natal, Msunduzi Municipality saw seven out of 34 gold links vanish from its mayoral chain, once valued at R800 000.

Kimberley, diamonds donated by Harry Oppenheimer, mysteriously disappeared from the city’s chain, later replaced with fakes.

Molemole Municipality in Limpopo lost a R100 000 chain in 2011, allegedly at the hands of the mayor’s brother, while neighbouring Mogalakwena only realised its chain was gone during a mayoral inauguration in 2011.

The NPA had not responded to our questions by the time of publication.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za