The Hawks, together with the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) Department, arrested an African National Congress (ANC) councillor from the Kaalfontein, Midrand area, for the illegal sale of two City-owned property stands.
The stands were sold for a total of R210 000.
This is according to a statement issued by the City of Joburg Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba.
It comes after a City Power contractor was cuffed in Midrand for corruption a few weeks ago.
A City employee, working at the Social Development Department in Region A, was also arrested. It is alleged that the Councillor and the employee are involved in a romantic relationship.
Investigators allege that monies from the illicit transaction were paid into the employee’s bank account, who then transferred the money to the ANC Councillor.
The suspects will appear in the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court tomorrow (18 October) where they will be charged with fraud and corruption.
Mashaba said in the statement, “This most recent act of corruption from within the ranks of the ANC comes as no surprise to the new administration.
“For years, the ANC has shamelessly gorged itself on money that should have been directed to the City for improving service delivery and uplifting our people; especially our poorest residents.”
Since coming into office, this administration has uncovered almost R15 billion in corruption, said Mashaba.
“Though the chances are slim, I do hope that the ANC will do the right thing and immediately expel this councillor from their midst.
“It is alleged that the ANC Coucillor sold the first stand to his first victim for R80 000 between December 2016 and January 2017.
“After being allocated a stand in Kaalfontein the victim started building on the property and was stopped by residents from the area who indicated that the site was earmarked for a communal soccer field,” Mashaba said.
The second victim was also illegally sold a stand next to the first victim for R130 000. The complainant became aware of the ANC Councillor’s fraudulent conduct when she attempted to lawfully sell the stand.
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Her attorney requested proof of ownership on behalf of her client from the ANC Councillor. He then submitted to the attorney a fraudulent letter, on the City’s letterhead, stating that the victim lawfully bought the stand from him for R130 000.
“It is not the first time that the illegal sale of stands is brought to my attention. I have indeed requested the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) Department to investigate the matter,” said Mashaba.
“I’m appealing to anyone who might have further information on the illegal sale of stands and RDP houses to please come forward. The information will assist our law enforcement agencies as they continue to investigate these cases throughout the City.
“Corruption has no place in this administration and we will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with institutions such as the Hawks, the SAPS and all other institutions within the criminal justice system to ensure that the residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.
“I would also like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587.”
READ MORE:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/168077/woman-nabbed-for-medical-aid-fraud/
