Hall probe nearing the end

PUBLIC Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s office says the investigation into allegations of maladministration, corruption and the mismanagement of public funds, centred around the multimillion-rand upgrades to the Umzimkhulu Memorial Hall, is at an advanced stage.

“Correspondence has been exchanged with relevant stakeholders and interviews were held with all those who the public protector identified as witnesses who in her view would assist her in the investigation,” spokesperson Cleopatra Mosana said.

Mosana said witnesses who had been interviewed included Umzimkhulu mayor Mphuthumi Mpabanga, municipal manager Zweliphansi Skhosana and senior municipal officials, whistle-blowers, service providers involved in the refurbishment of the hall, as well as critical stakeholders like officials from heritage resource agencies in KZN.

Mpabanga led the delegation of municipal officials. “I am hopeful the investigation will provide answers and the truth will come out,” he said.

One of the men who publicly claimed that slain former ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leader Sindiso Magaqa’s death was linked to his anti-corruption stance regarding the refurbishment of the hall, Thabiso Zulu, said he was co-operating with Mkhwebane’s investigation.

Magaqa was an ANC ward councillor at the time of his death. He was the fourth official from the municipality to be killed by gunmen in 2017.

Zulu, a former ANCYL regional secretary in the ANC’s Harry Gwala region, told the Moerane Commission investigating political killings in KZN that Magaqa had left him documents exposing corruption in the municipality.

“It is envisaged that the investigation will conclude by the end of December 2017 and relevant notices in terms of the Public Protector Act issued where applicable,” Mosana said.