Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane’s official residence in Johannesburg has been burgled, the provincial government said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Thabo Masebe said it was suspected that thieves gained access to the premises from an undeveloped adjacent stand on September 6, and stole several items, including a television set and clothes.
Mokonyane was at home at the time, but only realised later what had happened.
“The police are investigating the case and at this stage no suspects have been identified,” he said in a statement.
Appropriate upgrades
The infrastructure development department and the relevant authorities were assessing security at the residence and appropriate upgrades would be done to prevent future security breaches.
The premier’s Bryanston home was reportedly recently refurbished at a cost of more than R2-million. The house had not been occupied since former premier Mbhazima Shilowa moved out after resigning and joining the Congress of the People.
Provincial minister of infrastructure development Faith Mazibuko said the refurbishment was necessary, as the last person to occupy the residence resigned in September 2008, and the house was left vacant.
“Before Premier Nomvula Mokonyane could move in, standard procedures had to be followed … the department had to conduct an assessment of the residence, which deemed it necessary for the department to refurbish the house,” she said.
Normal procedures were followed and the money spent was justifiable.
She said in terms of the Ministerial Handbook her department was responsible for general maintenance and renovation of the premier’s official residence, which was part of state-owned properties. — Sapa