Suspect officials probed by police

THE FORENSIC team that uncovered evidence of financial mismanagement, fraud and corruption in the cash-strapped Oudtshoorn Municipality has teamed up with the police in the criminal investigation into some officials there.

It is rumoured a senior municipal official received a charge sheet last week, but administrator Kam Chetty refused to confirm this, saying he did not want to compromise the investigation.

Chetty said that “where there are clear criminal cases, the forensic team had reported it and is currently working with the SAPS on the matter”.

“Since the process started, three affected people have left the service for various reasons. One includes the former Acting Chief Financial Officer, who resigned to pursue other opportunities. ”Disciplinary processes against four other staff members were also under way, he said, in line with the municipality’s policy and national regulations governing the proceedings against senior managers.

“Two of these four, the former acting municipal manager Ronnie Lottering and manager of halls and buildings (who) also acted as the Director of Communities Services, are on suspension.” He said another staffer had been shifted to other roles in the municipality.

Chetty said the forensic investigation had already uncovered 132 incidents of mismanagement, fraud, and corruption, and the municipality was currently following due process as outlined by various legislative requirements.

“Care is being taken to ensure that the processes are fair and just, and that the rights of the affected staff members are respected,” he said. Chetty said the municipality’s current acting municipal manager was also investigating other matters, including the recent discovery of documents that had been shredded. The discovery of more than 20 black plastic refuse bags filled with shredded paper, found in one of the secluded municipal offices last month, was a serious concern, said Chetty.

The bags were found locked in a small office during a routine inventory audit of the municipality’s assets and a locksmith had to be called in to unlock door.

“This for me raises a serious concern; especially because no one can explain who shredded these documents; what these documents contained and who authorised the shredding of these documents.”

THERE ARE 132 CASES OF MISMANAGEMENT, FRAUD AND CORRUPTION