Hawks to probe ‘corrupt’ contract

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has agreed to prioritise an investigation into an allegedly corrupt City Power contractor in Eldorado Park, City of Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba said.

Mashaba and the head of the city’s internal forensic investigations unit, Shadrack Sibiya, held an urgent meeting on Saturday with the national leadership of the Hawks.

“This follows serious allegations of corruption being brought to my attention relating to a contract awarded to build a new electricity substation in Eldorado Park,” he said.

On Friday, Mashaba met subcontractors who were owed R1.8 million by the contractor.

“I was shocked at the details of corruption, fraud, and non-payment detailed by them. This week, tensions rose at the substation in Eldorado Park when employees of subcontractors protested against the contractor and threatened to burn the substation down.”

Community leaders of Eldorado Park and surrounds prevented the attempted destruction of the substation.

“The contract is worth R126 million. Despite receiving a significant remittance from the city, thus far totalling R66 million, the contractor has failed to deliver on a number of tasks which have already been paid for. We will pursue criminal charges against the contractor and any city officials found wanting,” Mashaba said. – ANA