A senior official from Pikitup was arrested after he was caught on CCTV footage stealing a City of Joburg owned laptop.
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Executive mayor Clr Herman Mashaba said the arrest was made by the SAPS and the suspect appeared in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court on February 1.
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The mayor said on January 26 Pikitup held its executive committee meeting which was concluded at about 1pm.
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“Later that afternoon, an official from the MD’s office noticed that the laptop from the boardroom was missing and alerted the MD.
“Security personnel were subsequently notified.
“The Pikitup security personnel then reviewed the CCTV footage which showed the official sneaking into the boardroom around 2pm and removing the laptop and its charger which was on the boardroom table,” said Mashaba.
The laptop is kept in the MD’s boardroom and is used during exco meetings to project presentations.
“The cameras, which were installed around the MD’s office, had not been in operation for some time.
“When they were repaired, no one was informed.
“When the laptop was reported stolen and no one came forward with information, the matter was reported to the city’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS).”
Mashaba said the senior official was called in for questioning by GFIS and he confirmed that he had taken the laptop.
“The laptop was found in his office.
“When quizzed on why he took the laptop he stated that he wanted his personal information from the laptop since he had used it previously.
“The allegation was disputed by information technology officials because the laptop is new and had not been in use prior to its installation in Pikitup’s boardroom.
“He admitted that he stole the laptop.
“I learned that this senior official’s contract is coming to an end in April this year,” said Mashaba.
Prior to this arrest, the mayor also reported that CoJ had paid R6-million for 500 desktop computers that were never delivered.
“GFIS is committed to fighting fraud and corruption.
“Those found to be involved in criminal activities will face the full might of the law,” said Mashaba.
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