Update

GEORGE NEWS - A date for the appeal hearing of dismissed George Municipality Chief Financial Officer, Keith Jordaan, is yet to be set. It has been almost seven weeks since Jordaan vacated his office on Monday 8 July. 

The former CFO has lodged a dispute against the findings and sanctions of the disciplinary board, which found him guilty on three of four charges.

Municipal investments with Old Mutual Wealth (OMW) to the value of R350 million in 2017, came under scrutiny as OMW is "not on the list" of approved institutions where the municipality may invest money.

At a recent council meeting it was decided to investigate a few other individuals who may have been involved with the OMW investment.

Some of the documents have been signed off by Municipal Manager Trevor Botha, which could implicate him in the matter as well.

According to information, this investigation is ongoing.

Saptoe investigated
An internal investigation against George Traffic Chief Donovan Saptoe is also underway. Although officially unconfirmed, the George Herald learned from a reliable source that a decision is yet to be made on whether steps against Saptoe will be taken.

A private law firm that conducted Saptoe's suspension hearing on 9 July, found no valid reason to suspend him while he is being investigated.

Apparently, it was found that the George Municipality could not provide reasons that would justify a suspension.

The investigation against Saptoe is related to alleged misconduct which could put the municipality in disrepute. In a police affidavit Saptoe alleges misconduct by officials from the Western Cape provincial traffic management section. Saptoe allegedly did not follow the correct procedures by neglecting to voice his concerns through the correct channels - his line managers.

Meanwhile, Saptoe has turned to the CCMA to take the matter further.

George Municipality was approached for comment on Jordaan's appeal hearing and Saptoe's investigation. Municipal Communications Manager Chantel Edwards-Klose replied that no information with regard to staff matters will be provided.

Donovan Saptoe.

Hawks
No new information has crystallised since the Hawks' second raid on George Municipality on 9 July (the same day as Saptoe's suspension hearing). According to Captain Philani Nkwalase, Hawks spokesperson, the investigation is still ongoing and will take some time to complete.

The Hawks seized several documents and electronic equipment from the office of the municipal manager. 

Nkwalase said at the time, "This investigation relates to the alleged fraud and corruption emanating from the failure to follow due process regarding the appointment (of an official) and the filling of a vacant post."

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