THE City Integrity and Investigations Unit has urged service providers to be cautious of fraudulent letters of appointment bearing the eThekwini Municipality logo.
“In some instances, letters are being received when the service provider did not tender a bid. Awardees are asked to pay a surety bond in the fraudulent letter. This money is then received by the fraudster.”
“The city calls on service providers to ensure that any surety bonds are paid into the relevant municipal account,” said the municipality’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela.
According to Mayisela, the city follows a strict SCM process in accordance with the Municipal Finance Management Act when procuring goods and services. Anyone receiving a letter of award must look out for things such as suspicious contact numbers and incorrect letterheads. To confirm any tender or award contact the Supply Chain Management Unit.
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The city would like to reiterate its commitment towards combating fraud and corruption and sends a strong message to the business community to work together with the city in ending this scourge.
“Should anyone encounter illegal activity such as fraud, bribery, maladministration, human rights violations, discrimination, racism, report it to the City Integrity and Investigation Unit on 0800 202020 immediately. All reports are treated confidentially,” said Mayisela.
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