Municipality mum on fraud charges

THE GA-SEGONYANA Local Municipality has declined to comment on allegations involving a former and a current employee.

According to the Hawks, a 39-year-old former senior official at the municipality and a current senior official, together with two men, were arrested on charges of fraud last week.

Municipal spokesperson, Happyboy Diseko, said yesterday that the matter was sub judice.

“The municipality has noted the news in media regarding the allegations of fraud against certain former and current municipal employees. At this stage we are not in a position to make any official response to these statements, as no official correspondence from the Hawks has been directly communicated to the municipality, except the media release that is in the public domain. However, the municipality respects the judicial processes, and as the matter is currently before the court of law it is thus sub judice.

“The municipality remains resolute in its position and is still committed to fighting any form of corruption and fraud. We once again call for calm and for the public to allow the judicial process to take its course. We view these allegations with all the seriousness they deserve, while further confirming that the funds of the municipality are well kept,” Diseko said.

According to Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase, an investigation revealed some irregularities, dating back to September 2012, allegedly committed during the process of selecting a service provider for the municipality.

“It is alleged that the company submitted invalid documents. The company was contracted for three years and received R9.8 million for the service rendered.”

According to Nkwalase, two senior officials from the company involved are also facing various charges of fraud.

All four suspects will appear in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on July 5.