Emfuleni Local Municipality has started disciplinary processes against those implicated in a R16 million fleet tender irregularities.
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Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) employees are facing disciplinary action following a report that exposed irregularities relating to a R16 million tender in the fleet department.
Sources within the municipality have revealed that processes have already started to deal with the individuals involved in the tender.
“The municipality has already started disciplinary processes, but it is facing a challenge because many of the people have resigned and left the employ of the municipality. They have also been instructed to open cases against the people,” the source said.
A forensic report has revealed that the Emfuleni Local Municipality in 2022 spent R8.7m to purchase six trucks that were never delivered despite invoices being signed and stamped confirming receipt of the vehicles.
The municipality also purchased eight Toyota Hilux bakkies at a cost of R525,607 each, amounting to R4.2m. The report said that out of the eight Toyota Hilux bakkies procured, only three were confirmed delivered and five were still outstanding.
The report found that only three bakkies were delivered, but just one could be accounted for. The investigation further found that the fleet manager signed invoices certifying delivery, while the assistant fleet manager signed as the receiver despite knowing the vehicles had not been delivered.
According to the report, the acting fleet manager said he was “pressured” by the fleet manager to sign the invoices, claiming suppliers needed to release vehicles. Three graders were also procured but had problems from the onset.
Municipal spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, confirmed that action was being taken against those implicated in the tender. He said in line with their commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, the Council and administration initiated a forensic investigation following the identification of irregular expenditure totalling approximately R16 million during the 2023/24 financial year audit process.
“The forensic investigation has uncovered gross mismanagement relating to the assets’ verification, acquisitions, maintenance and insurance. The investigator has specifically identified irregularities and recommended criminal investigations, disciplinary action against implicated employees, civil litigation/recovery, and blacklisting of implicated service providers (directors and companies),” he said.
Sangweni added that actions will be taken without fear or favour against those implicated, which includes opening of criminal cases, disciplinary actions against implicated employees, blacklisting of companies and their directors, as well as civil recovery of prejudice suffered by the municipality in terms of the report’s recommendations.
“On account of all findings submitted, Council has resolved that ELM must open a criminal conduct case against the identified perpetrators as prima facie evidence exists. Accordingly, at this stage, we opt to reserve our right to comment on the merits of the case, as we strongly believe the justice system will be capable of prosecuting its responsibilities of justice and provide decisive accountability to the people of ELM,” he said.
Sangweni added that the municipality remains fully cooperative with oversight bodies and will provide regular, factual updates as significant milestones are reached. He said a detailed summary of findings and management’s response will be made public once the matter is concluded and Council has considered the report.