A municipal employee from the Ntuzuma Roads and Stormwater depot has been arrested for theft of small plant equipment.
According to municipal media release the City Investigations Unit made the arrest together with Metro Police after receiving a tip off. A sting operation was set up and the employee was caught red handed trying to sell the equipment.
The man had allegedly stolen a machine known as a ‘botch’ and was attempting to sell it to a community member. He was reported and working with the community member managed to make the arrest. The Head of the City Investigations Unit, Mbuso Ngcobo thanked the community member for his co-operation. “The Municipality would like to urge the community to work more closely with us so that more arrests of corrupt officials can be made. Without whistle blowers, we will not be able to catch these criminals,” he said.
The city said a number of strides had been made in its commitment to eradicate fraud and corruption. It has established the Municipal Public Account Committee which holds city officials accountable for any behaviour out of line with policy and procedure. It also established the City Integrity and Investigations Unit which investigates complaints of fraud and corruption. The Audfit and Risk Management Services has also stepped up efforts to ensure a clean administration.
City Manager, Sibusiso Sithole commended the City Integrity and Investigation Unit and Metro Police for their quick action. “The Municipality is committed to stamping out corruption from within its ranks and has employed a zero tolerance stance against all those who attempt to defraud the organisation and bring it into disrepute. Harsh measures are in place to dissuade this form of misbehaviour,” he said.
The public is urged to report any instances of fraud, corruption, maladministration, and human rights violations within the Municipality to the City Integrity and Investigations Unit.
A toll free line is available on 0800 202020 or complaints can be emailed to ombuds@durban.gov.za. The unit is based on 10th floor, Rennies House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban. The public can be assured that all reports are treated with the strictest confidentiality and with discretion.
To report acts of fraud and corruption against councillors of the Municipality, contact the Speakers office on 031 311 2002.
