The Joe Gqabi District Municipality notes the further arrest of one of its officials by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in connection with allegations of fraud, corruption and money laundering relating to the procurement and installation of water pipes intended to benefit the Ugie community.
The municipality respects the rule of law and affirms that it will allow the criminal justice process to unfold without interference. The courts are the appropriate forum to determine the merits of the allegations and the evidence before them. The municipality will not comment on the guilt or innocence of any accused person and will abide by the outcome of the judicial process.
The arrest relates to a tender that was advertised on 1 December 2019 for the procurement and installation of water pipes for the Ugie community. When allegations of misconduct initially arose, the municipality instituted internal investigations into the tender award process and the processing of an advance payment for goods that had not yet been delivered. These processes were dealt with in accordance with the information and findings available to the municipality at the time.
The municipality notes the latest allegations reported by the Hawks, including allegations that the procurement process was manipulated through fraudulent and collusive conduct and that officials allegedly certified delivery notes and invoices in circumstances where the goods were not delivered. The Hawks have further alleged that the municipality suffered actual prejudice of more than R1.6 million. These are allegations before the criminal justice system and must be tested through the appropriate legal process.
The municipality remains committed to transparency, accountability, ethical conduct and sound supply chain management. Where wrongdoing is established, appropriate administrative and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with applicable legislation, collective agreements and the municipality’s internal policies.
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