Sheriff Takes Buffalo City Municipality Vehicles Over R2.2m Debt

Municipality moves to court to halt enforcement and recover assets

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) has confirmed that several municipal vehicles were attached and removed following a default judgment of R2.2 million obtained against the Metro.

In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the Municipality said the attachment of vehicles was carried out after a writ was executed against BCMM, leading to the temporary removal of municipal assets.

The matter has since sparked public concern, with questions raised about the impact on service delivery and the protection of public resources.

Metro challenges judgment through legal channels

BCMM has moved swiftly to challenge the enforcement action, confirming that it has filed an application for a stay of the writ. The application seeks to suspend the enforcement of the judgment and allow for the return of the attached vehicles.

According to the Municipality, this legal step is intended to prevent further disruption to municipal operations while the matter is addressed through the courts.

“The Municipality has elected to follow the appropriate legal processes through the courts to protect public assets and ensure that due process is observed,” the statement said.

Rescission application underway

In addition to seeking a stay of the writ, BCMM revealed that it is in the process of launching a rescission application. The Municipality claims it has identified serious procedural flaws in the manner in which the default judgment was obtained.

A rescission application, if successful, could result in the judgment being set aside, effectively nullifying the basis on which the vehicles were attached.

BCMM maintains that this legal route is necessary to ensure fairness and compliance with judicial procedures.

Limited disclosure due to ongoing litigation

The Municipality stressed that, because the matter is currently before the courts, it is not at liberty to disclose further details at this stage.

BCMM said it would provide additional information once legal processes allow, emphasising that it remains committed to transparency while respecting the boundaries imposed by active litigation.

Public assets and service delivery concerns

The attachment of municipal vehicles has raised concerns among residents about the potential impact on service delivery, particularly in critical departments that rely on fleet vehicles for daily operations.

BCMM has assured the public that it is actively pursuing the return of the vehicles and is taking steps to safeguard municipal assets.

The Municipality reiterated that the amount in question is R2.2 million and confirmed that both the rescission application and the application for the return of the vehicles are being pursued simultaneously.

Matter remains before the courts

As the legal process unfolds, the situation remains unresolved. BCMM says it will continue to engage the courts to protect public resources and ensure that the matter is handled lawfully.

Residents have been urged to allow due process to take its course, with the Municipality maintaining that it is acting in the best interests of the public.