City to take action against Joburg Theatre for fraud
JOHANNESBURG – Joburg Theatre under the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
The City of Johannesburg and the office of the Executive Mayor sent the Joburg Theatre a final report on 18 January detailing allegations of fraudulent activity and misconduct by eight current employees.
Spokesperson for the office of the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Gabu Tugwana said, “The contents of the report flow from an investigation into the authenticity of asylum permits and special work permits held by various foreign nationals employed in the catering and hospitality sections of the theatre.
“The investigation, conducted by Nexus Forensic Services, uncovered evidence showing that six asylum permits held by implicated employees were fraudulent, while two other permits were said to have expired in early June 2016.”
A case of fraud has been opened with the police and the arrest of those implicated is expected soon. All those implicated are also set to face disciplinary action by the City.
The offices of the Executive Mayor also wrote to the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, notifying him of the report’s contents and requesting that the department takes steps in detecting and preventing criminal activity associated with illegally acquired immigration documents.
Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba said in a written statement, “South Africa aims to be a welcoming, safe and inclusive destination with bountiful opportunities for all. For us to realise this goal, the rule of law must be respected by all those within our borders.
“This recent report affirms my conviction in the value behind conducting a skills audits for employees within the City, whilst strengthening our effort to hunt down fraud and corruption without fear or favour, where it had previously been allowed to flourish in the dark corners of the city.
“Since taking office, I have been inundated with cases alleging corruption, nepotism and fraud. Lawlessness has, for too long, been allowed to be a part of the fabric of the city. I am determined to ensure that corruption and wrong-doing in the city is exposed and that those found guilty of wrong-doing face the full might of the law and that funds lost… through corruption are reclaimed for the benefit of our people.”
