BCM launches fraud hotline

STOPPING Buffalo City Metro corruption one fraudster at a time is what the municipality aims to achieve with the launch of a new fraud hotline.

The city launched the hotline yesterday at the East London City Hall with only a few councillors in attendance.

The fraud hotline launch comes after councillors and officials were implicated in several highprofile fraud cases like the Nelson Mandela funeral scandal.

Acting city manager Kumbaca expressed his at the poor

He said the event was aimed at addressing many municipal officials, top administrators and civil society organisations that may be implicated in fraud. Ncedo disappointment attendance.

“The municipality has always been the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons and we are working towards changing our image and giving the residents of BCM a different perspective, by allowing them to report fraudulent activities,” Kumbaca said.

“Most of our councillors are seen in and out of court and this has bedevilled our image and we are upgrading our standards and improving our approach by making a stand against fraud.”

BCM compliance manager Zolile Vumazonke said the 24-hour fraud hotline would be managed and audited by an independent organisation, KPMG, which would refer complaints to the relevant departments within the municipality and give a detailed reportback to the auditors.

DA PR councillor Bill Gould raised concerns over the effectiveness of the hotline and recommended regular updates to council about reports made and steps taken thereafter including consequences for those found guilty.

Speaking on behalf of city manager Andile Sihlahla, public safety head of department Steven Terwin said the hotline also aimed to encourage residents who may have witnessed fraudulent activity to report.

“We hear of fraud taking place everywhere but we need to pinpoint the problem and take care of it,” he said.

● The metro has guaranteed whistleblowers anonymity and encouraged anyone who knows of corrupt practices in the metro to call the hotline on 0800-212-532 or send an e-mail to —