eThekwini to investigate vehicle misuse allegations
The investigation comes after leads from a whistleblower.
AN eThekwini Municipality employee from Bhekulwandle has been accused by his neighbours of using his employer’s vehicle to do private work. The employee, whose name is known to the SUN, operates an excavator that his neighbours said parks at his home after hours.
ALSO READ: R50m set aside to assist eThekwini suppliers
A whistleblower, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, said the employee usually uses the excavator to do work around his home, such as levelling the ground and other earthmoving tasks.
“To me this does not seem right. This machine belongs to the municipality, but we see it doing private work. I thought this needs to be reported so that the municipality can be aware of what is happening to its property,” said the whistleblower.
Pictures taken on Saturday, January 22, claim to show the employee operating the excavator in what is said to be his yard. The municipality was alerted of the allegations. eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Lindiwe Khuzwayo, said the use of municipal vehicles for personal gain is a serious offence.
“This is regarded as fraud. This matter will be investigated and appropriate action taken if there is any evidence of wrongdoing. Residents are encouraged to report such matters to the city’s Integrity and Investigations Unit on 0800 202020,” she said.
The whistleblower said they were prepared to cooperate fully with eThekwini’s investigators.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
