Bobani gets his way as Mettler misconduct allegations to be debated

UDM COUNCILLOR Mongameli Bobani has finally got his way – the Nelson Mandela Bay council will debate his allegations of misconduct against city boss Johann Mettler next week.

Bobani’s allegations, which he penned in an open letter to mayor Athol Trollip, copying in President Cyril Ramaphosa, auditor-general Kimi Makwethu and public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, have been printed in the confidential section of the council agenda.

Bobani’s accusations range from claims that Mettler unlawfully extended the contract of communications firm Mohlaleng Media to allegations that he irregularly hired and suspended senior staff and misappropriated municipal funds on the city’s new accounting system.

Bobani, who will present his claims in the council, will be pushing for Mettler to be suspended while his allegations are probed through a forensic investigation.

“These are very serious allegations against Mettler – he must be suspended immediately,” he said.

“I will move that a forensic expert be roped in to thoroughly investigate the allegations.

“[Mettler] must be suspended immediately so that he does not tamper with the allegations and we must elect a temporary city manager.”

Mettler declined to comment, saying: “I would prefer not to engage on this matter in the media.”

In his initial letter to Trollip dated May 22, Bobani alleges that Mettler fraudulently signed an addendum extending the scope of the communications contract with Mohlaleng Media.

The contract was the subject of a probe by auditors after it emerged the company was paid R20.8-million when its contract was initially capped at R10-million.

Bobani’s allegations were meant to be debated at Wednesday’s council meeting, but the sitting was cut short when opposition councillors from the AIC and United Front walked out after the budget vote, leaving the meeting without a quorum.

Other opposition parties – the ANC, EFF and UDM – did not attend the meeting.

The council will meet on Wednesday to continue with the agenda items that have not been passed, some lagging from the March 24 council meeting.