Durban – Msunduzi Municipality reiterated its commitment to root out fraud and corruption in the city.
This comes as the municipality commemorated International Anti-Corruption Day on Friday.
The municipality said in a statement that the city understands that corruption robs the poor of essential services.
“We will continue to deal decisively with corrupt elements in the municipality. Between 2020 and to date we have registered more than 30 cases of fraud and corruption.”
The municipality lists some of the cases being dealt which include:
- One case is due for sentencing on Tuesday December 13, 2022 for fraud on overtime.
- Two cases of corruption involving more than R300 000 which are at Durban Specialised Commercial Court. The employee resigned in April 2022.
- One arrest which was made around August 2022.
- An employee who is attending court for fraud for R945 000.
- Five employees who have been suspended for fraud amounting to more than R300 000 with the possibility of this figure increasing as the investigation continues.
- Senior state advocates who are dealing with two big cases, one of which involves over R223 276 000 and the second over R35 834 000.
- Three employees that have resigned while they were under investigation for fraud, corruption and maladministration.
- There are 102 cases under consequent management.
The municipality welcomed the decision at the Department of Justice to allocate a senior public prosecutor and a state advocate to assist with cases within the municipality.
The city also commended the good relationships with stakeholders such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), SAPS, Asset Forfeiture Unit and the Independent Directorate of the NPA who have established a structure and protocols to deal with the cases of the municipality.
“This is a clear message and stern warning to all our employees that if they fail to conduct themselves ethically they have no place in this council. The city is calling on the citizens to continue to report any acts of corruption to the authorities. Unethical behaviour, fraud and corruption incidents related to Msunduzi Municipality must be reported to the law-enforcement agencies.
“Our ultimate aim is to build a strong and resilient municipality that will put corruption to an end and no matter how long it may take, those who steal and loot the resources that are meant for the people of Msunduzi will face consequences.”