GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in George served a former Mossel Bay municipal officer and his accomplice with summonses to appear in court for alleged fraud and corruption.
The suspects both aged 55-year-old were arrested on the 25 and 26 June respectively through (J175) court summons.
It is alleged that between May and December 2016 the former Street and Storm Water Department Manager colluded with a service provider and authorised an undue payment for work that was never done.
The said company was awarded a tender to fix potholes as well as drainage systems, subsequently a probe by the Hawks established firstly that they underquoted to gain competitive advantage over other bidders.
It was also found that the company was allegedly paid over R1.6 million for bogus work. The duo will appear in the Mossel Bay Regional Court on 6 August, 2020.
Mossel Bay Municipality gives comment
Mossel Bay Municipality welcomes the announcement today by the Hawks of an arrest in a case of probable fraud that the municipality had reported to the local police in 2016.
When initially it appeared that a staff member may have been involved in probable fraud, the Municipal Manager, Adv Thys Giliomee immediately instructed that a thorough internal investigation should follow and that the internal auditors be involved.
During the internal investigation process, the official concerned resigned from his service in the streets and stormwater department with the municipality.
The HAWKS statement alleges that the accused and a service provider had colluded to defraud the municipality.
The HAWKS have indicated that the accused will appear at Mossel Bay Regional Court on 6 August 2020.
Since then, the municipality has put strict measures in place, among others an anonymous fraud line where both the staff and the public may report suspected fraudulent behavior. Anyone who may be aware of or suspect fraudulent behaviour that may impact the Mossel Bay Municipality may call 0800 333 466 to report their suspicions unanimously.
Mossel Bay Municipality is supportive of the HAWKS in their investigation against the former member of staff and the accomplice and will assist where necessary to get the case finalized in a court of law.
Mossel Bay Municipality prides itself on the quality of our staff and their consistent and outstanding service delivery. We can assure the community that internal controls have been tightened to prevent a recurrence of this type of incident.
Article: Group Editors sister publication, Mossel Bay Advertiser
