Official accused of demanding kickbacks
EFF to open fraud charges ‘if Supra won’t take action’
A senior official in the North West government is alleged to be receiving bribes from service providers.
The man, who was appointed to the department of public works last year, is accused of demanding at least R500 000 in kickbacks from service providers before he signs payments certificates.
Several contractors have told Sowetan that the department’s political head Madoda Sambatha, who was removed as MEC for public works and roads last week, and public works head of department Pakiso Mothupi, were aware of the allegations.
Mothupi allegedly briefed Sambatha about complaints he received from service providers that the official was demanding bribes upfront before he signed payment certificates.
It is understood that Sambatha was due to act on the allegations before he was unceremoniously removed by premier Supra Mahumapelo.
It is strongly believed Sambatha’s sacking is due to his backing of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to be the next ANC leader. Mahumapelo, ANC chairman in North West, is a staunch Zuma supporter.
So far, four service providers have complained about the official demanding kickbacks.
Contacted yesterday, he said: “Tell whoever said I am demanding money from service providers to report me to the HOD [head of department, Mothupi] so that I can be taken through the disciplinary process and police so that I can be investigated.”
Mothupi, a close Mahumapelo ally, said he only knew of one case relating to allegations of corruption and fraud. “Those service providers must give me a complaint so that I can give it to the misconduct committee,” he said.
“If anybody has done any corrupt activities write a letter or an affidavit, I will act.”
EFF MPL Alfred Motsi blew the whistle on the alleged corruption and fraud and yesterday said the EFF will give Mahumapelo, in abstentia, an ultimatum to take action against Mothupi and the official during the legislature sitting tomorrow.
“If Supra does not respond, we will open corruption and fraud charges against [them],” Motsi said. “Supra’s modus operandi is to fire people who refuse to be corrupted and hire those who are compromised.”
DA MPL Sello Motswenyane called for the arrest of Mothupi and the official.
“We want to weed out corruption because it deprives citizens of basic services.”
Mahumapelo’s spokesman Brian Setswambung said there was no truth in the claims of corruption and fraud.