Premix and slurry bags slipped the system

GEORGE NEWS - Two employees and a supplier of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) are being investigated for fraud. The employees have been suspended for the alleged payment for goods - premix and slurry bags - that the municipality did not receive.

"We conducted a preliminary investigation and opened a criminal case," said Municipal Manager Monde Stratu.

"The supplier has since payed back the money for the products and services that were not performed. However, the investigation still continues. This payment relates to the procurement of premix and slurry bags."

Southern Cape police spokesperson Capt Malcolm Pojie confirmed the matter, saying Stratu opened a criminal case last week. "The matter is still under investigation and no arrests have been made," said Pojie.

District Mayor Memory Booysen commended the administration for probing the alleged procurement irregularities. "Corruption at our municipality will not be tolerated because it takes away the scarce resources that are set aside from public funds," he said.

Booysen urged the public to allow the legal processes to take their course. "The GRDM remains committed to working together with the public and private sectors to ensure that corrupt elements in the private and public sectors face the full wrath of the law."