/ 24 June 1999

HEATH UNIT NAILS EX-MAYOR

THE Heath Special Investigating Unit on Wednesday announced that it has been granted nine orders by the Special Tribunal on Monday against nine former Butterworth town councillors, who owe the council a collective R157187 in unpaid cellphone debts. The council’s resolutions had stipulated that councillors could have a cellphone from the council, if they paid connection fees, the monthly subscription, and specific calls rates. Interest on the debts will be charged at 15,5% pa. Of the nine individuals involved, former Butterwoth mayor Anthony Bam incurred the greatest debt — R33562. Butterworth — and Bam especially — achieved notoriety last year in March, when the provincial administration had to take over the running of the town, following a complete breakdown of normal services.