POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism have exposed a Liquor License syndicate involving employees of the department.
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According to the spokesperson for the department, Zaid Kalla, a series of cases involving rraud and corruption pertaining to liquor license applications were detected and culprits were identified.
“Due to the seriousness of the findings, the department reported the matter to the Hawks and worked closely with them during the investigation,” he said.
Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Captain Matimba Maluleke confirmed that five suspects (four officials from the department and a police officer from the Tubatse police were arrested following allegations that they were approving and issuing liquor licenses without following due procedures.
“The five allegedly colluded between 2012 and 2017 and demanded huge bribes from potential applicants. All the suspects were summoned to appear at Praktiseer and Sekhukhune Magistrate Courts on 14 December 2018 to face charges of corruption and fraud,” he said.
Kalla concluded by calling on all prospective business owners to report any irregularities on liquor license applications to the Directorate: Security and Investigation Services: 19 Biccard Street Polokwane.
