SASOLBURG – Five senior officials at Metsimaholo Local Municipality have been suspended following allegations of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
This follows an ordinary council sitting outcome to oust the five due to allegedly being part of the bid adjudication committee, that may have not followed SCM Regulations in concluding the bid to appoint Isidingo Security.
The suspended executives are employed in key strategic positions in the municipality such as Chief Financial Officer, Technical Director, Director of Planning and LED and that of Social Services.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Dr. Gino Alberts confirmed the news.
“We can confirm that it is true that five senior officials are placed on precautionary suspension following the allegations of involvement alleged appointing a security tender. There are officials appointed to act in the positions of the vacant five positions,” he said.
In a letter dated July 6, African National Congress in the Fezile Dabi region welcomed the suspension.
“The ANC welcome the precautionary suspension of Metsimaholo Senior Management. This follows the plethora of questions posed by the ANC to the Municipal Manager, Advocate Mofokeng, and Executive Mayor, Jeff Zwane, regarding the allegations of fraud, corruption, money laundering on procurement of the security services rendered by security company Isidingo,” read the statement.
“The local security Companies, Auditor General’s Office and the public have alerted the ANC on these allegations and as such, the ANC caucus had to act appropriately in probing and leaving no stone unturned in this regard.
The Metsimaholo Council approved the ANC proposal of forensic investigations into this matter,” continued the statement.
ANC said council resolved on temporary appointments while it considers representation from suspended senior managers, such representation to be tabled in a special council meeting to be convened within the next 7 days.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance’s Paul Kotze, Free State Media Officer condemned the suspension calling it “politically motivated”.
“The suspension of the Municipal Manager, CFO, Technical Director, Director of Urban Planning and LED and Director of Social Services is a clear attempt by the ANC/EFF coalition to sabotage the positive changes implemented by the DA. It is evident that they are more concerned about suspending officials who do not slavishly follow their instructions and then promote their own cadres,” he said.
