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GEORGE NEWSFLASH - Two days after the Hawks surprise raid of George Municipality, Mayor Melvin Naik breaks his silence and released the following statement to the media:

"You are aware of the recent events at George Municipality as well as the actions taken by the Hawks.

Despite the rumours doing rounds on social media and the vicious politicking by certain members of the George municipal council, I wish to assure you that no-one, including myself, are facing imminent arrest and all that is currently happening is the SAPS is investigating the allegations, as per their legal mandate.

As far as we can ascertain, certain people, unhappy with the result of the tenders which they did not even tender for, made allegations regarding the tenders to the provincial Government of the Western Cape, who referred the matter to SAPS for investigation, some time ago.

All that is currently happening, is that SAPS is gathering evidence, to see whether there is any substance to the allegations.

I can assure you that I am completely innocent of any wrongdoing, and I am convinced that the current investigation, will prove this.

With regard to the opportunism that certain persons, and I here refer mainly to Cllr G van Niekerk, and his pawn in this matter, Cllr V Gericke displayed in this matter, I will only say at this stage that they committed themselves to certain statements that are not protected by way of privilege and that I have already referred the matter to my legal team for further action. 

Neither they or any actions by them was the source of this investigation as they allege, and they are simply political opportunists.

I have always been and will stay committed to act in the interests of ALL the people of George, and not just an elect few.

For very good reasons, the Constitution of this beautiful country of ours states that one is innocent until proven guilty.

I will ask that everyone involved in this matter respects the process and let the investigation and other processes that might follow, run its course before trying me and other innocents involved in the court of public opinion."

Read related articles:

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• Hawks swoop on George
• DA asked for raid of George Municipality
• Update: Hawks raid George Municipality
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