Municipal Manager and director suspended

Breaking News Update

GEORGE NEWS - George Municipal Manager Trevor Botha and the Director of Community Services Walter Hendricks have both been placed on three months precautionary suspension.

This decision by the DA caucus was made this afternoon during a Special Council Meeting at the George Council Chambers. According to an opposition councillor, the DA was the only party who voted in favour of this item.

The reason for the officials' suspension relate to the outcome of the forensic investigation ordered by MEC Anton Bredell into the War on Waste project, a municipal project initiated by Melvin Naik, during his reign as mayor of George.

Naik has since been ousted from the DA party with the withdrawal of his membership last week Thursday.

Council resolved to place both Botha and Hendricks on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of an investigation.

The George Herald was told that external investigators still need to be appointed.

Gert van Niekerk of the Freedom Front Plus said his party is against the suspensions, since the case is almost two years old. ''Having those officials at home for three months will cost the taxpayer roughly R800 000 in salaries. This is totally unnecessary.''

Director of Community Services Walter Hendricks.