Cape Town - Three former Matzikama Municipality senior officials and a man linked to a service provider are the latest to be arrested by the Hawks for alleged personal protective equipment (PPE) fraud worth nearly R400 000.
They are charged with fraud for unlawfully colluding with a service provider that was allegedly awarded a tender without following due supply chain procedures during April 2020.
The accused, Matzikama former acting municipal manager Aldrick Ivan Hendricks, Covid-19 coordinator Isak Edward Jenner, acting chief financial officer Jafta Booysen, and Nicolaas Jacobus Klazen appeared briefly inthe Vredendal Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
They are currently out on R5 000 bail each, and the matter has been postponed to July 12.
Their arrest comes after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed that they had received allegations relating to the procurement of PPE to the value of R400 027 in the municipality.
The SIU said their investigation found that the procurement process was “irregular and unlawful” in terms of Section 217 of the constitution, because the service provider did not disclose his friendship with the municipal official.
The matter was referred to a prosecutor.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said: “Hendricks and Booysen are current Municipal Managers while Jenner is a former Covid-19 coordinator at the Matzikama Municipality and Klazen, is a civilian linked to the service provider.”
Jenner and Hendricks’ legal representative, André Johnston, said they will contest the allegations on trial.
“Both Mr Jenner and Hendricks deny wrongdoing in this matter and we will contest these allegations on trial,” he said.
A community activist in the Matzikama Municipality who spoke on the basis of anonymity said residents felt that the arrests were “long overdue”.
“Residents are happy and satisfied that justice can now be served. A lot happened in Matzikama under the ANC and United Democrats coalition, but justice can now be served,” he said.
Matzikama mayor Johan van der Hoven said they welcomed the arrests.
“I am satisfied that a thorough investigation has taken place into the alleged corruption and misuse of funds.
“Until recently, Jenner was still employed by the municipality. He was charged with disciplinary offences, but before the disciplinary hearing could take place, he resigned.
“Mr Hendricks and Mr Booysen, are former Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer of Matzikama Municipality respectively.
“I hereby confirm the position of the municipality and council, that no corruption or maladministration will be tolerated,” he said.
Cape Times