GEORGE NEWS - The first day of the new term started with a bang for two senior officials at George Municipality. 

Tension concentrated on the third floor on Tuesday morning with the Hawks Commercial Crime Investigation team raiding the office of the Municipal Manager, Trevor Botha, concurrent with the disciplinary hearing of the George Traffic Chief, Donovan Saptoe, taking place on the same floor.

The Hawks seized several documents and electronic equipment from Botha's office. 

"This investigation relates to the alleged fraud and corruption emanating from the failure to follow due process regarding the appointment and filling of a vacant post," said Captain Philani Nkwalase, Hawks spokesperson.

Nkwalase did not want to disclose any names, but said the private homes of some of the people of interest were raided, as well as several offices. He confirmed the search and seizure at George Municipality offices. "There is no arrest at this stage, pending the ongoing investigation. Documents and electronic equipment were seized and will be subjected to further investigation," said Nkwalase.

The latest raid is unrelated to the search and seizure conducted at the George Municipality in April last year, which followed after a request by Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Anton Bredell. That investigation has been completed and is currently in the hands of the National Prosecuting Authority.

Bredell said, through his spokesman, that they are aware of the Hawks' visit on Tuesday. "We understand that computers and cellphones of administrative staff have been seized. We further understand that the investigation only concerns some administrative staff of the municipality," he said.

In a response by the municipality to an enquiry by George Herald, Botha confirmed that the Hawks carried out a search and seizure process on 9 July and that it related to legal processes followed in the appointment of a senior official. 

"The Hawks are at liberty to perform their duties as required. What is of concern is the process followed regarding a governance and administrative matter. It is mind boggling that a reported case pertaining to the unprocedural and irregular investment or R350-million by a senior official has to date not elicited the same response from senior provincial politicians or the Hawks. The continued, necessary cooperation and assistance is being given to the Hawks with their investigation," he said.

Trevor Botha

Parties want answers

Political parties reacted with shock to Tuesday's events and want answers. Jaco Londt, chairperson of the DA east region, said the party took note that the Hawks again raided the George Municipality. "The DA is thankful for the Hawks' actions," said Londt. He expressed hope that things will come to a point. According to Londt the DA brand is suffering at the moment because of these events. "Those responsible for tarnishing the reputations of the DA and the municipality because of the different investigations should be held responsible."

Darryll Sauer, chairperson of the ANC, said the George Municipality owes the residents an explanation regarding the happenings and allegations. "If people are guilty, the law should take its cause," he said.

Virgill Gericke of the PBI said his party is in the dark. "We will wait till Monday's special council meeting and we want answers. I shall ask questions to establish what is going on."

Adv Gert van Niekerk of the VF Plus said Trevor Botha should explain what is going on. "The alleged transgressions influence service delivery," he said. He said Botha should resign. "It is not about the individual but about the responsibilities that go with the position of municipal manager."

A source who spoke to the George Herald asking to remain anonymous, alleged the said post under investigation was advertised twice last year and that the correct process was followed in the appointment. "This is all politics. I also find it strange that a day after the municipality's CFO was given the boot by the municipal manager, the Hawks come in the next morning to search his office."

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