SASOLBURG. – Metsimaholo Local Municipality (MLM) is facing a serious crisis following allegations of fraudulent activities surrounding the awarding of tenders.
This alarming situation has forced the municipality to urgently issue a public warning to safeguard service providers and the community from potential financial losses.
On Wednesday, June 26, MLM released a statement addressing the concerning reports that scammers are exploiting the name of the Municipal Manager, Basi Motloung, to illicitly solicit money under the pretence of securing tenders.
The municipality’s spokesperson, Dr. Gino Albert stressed the strictness of the issue.
“Metsimaholo Local Municipality is aware of scammers who are using the name of the Municipal Manager, Mr. Basi Motloung, to fraudulently request money for advertised tenders at the municipality. The scammers are repeatedly going around soliciting money in exchange for tenders at the municipality in his name,” he said.
Alberts said this is the second time the scam has surfaced using the name of the MM and a falsified cellphone number.
Local businesses are advised to exercise caution and not to engage with any requests for payment purportedly linked to tender awards.
“It is important for the community to inform law enforcement if they encounter individuals who are using the identities of MLM employees to deceive people into giving them money illegally,” he said.
In light of these developments, MLM is echoing its dedication to ensuring a fair and secure process for all tender applicants.
“Municipal employees are prohibited from soliciting money for tenders or any work associated with the municipality. This prohibition is part of ethical guidelines and legal frameworks designed to prevent corruption, bribery, and conflict of interest in public administration. By ensuring all tender processes and municipal work are conducted transparently, and fairly, these regulations aim to maintain public trust and uphold the integrity of municipal operations,” he said.
Alberts has since lashed the scammers.
“We condemn this deceitful behaviour and will take all necessary actions to hold the individuals responsible accountable and safeguard the municipality’s integrity, including that of the MM,” he said.
