eThekwini Municipality dismisses employees for diesel theft
Seven employees have been dismissed by the eThekwini Municipality for the theft of diesel, while investigations pend against other employees.
Seven eThekwini Municipality officials have been dismissed after they were found guilty of misconduct relating to the theft of diesel.
Yesterday, City spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the dismissals took place between October 2025 and September 2026, with four officials dismissed in August 2026 alone. These dismissals included two officials who were found to have fabricated requisitions to draw fuel from the municipality’s internal filling stations for more than a year. The losses to the City run into millions of rand.
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City Manager Musa Mbhele said that the dismissals reflected the municipality’s commitment to clean governance and the protection of public resources.
“The resources of this City belong to the people of eThekwini and must be used solely for service delivery. The administration will act firmly against any official who abuses the trust placed in them, regardless of rank or position.
“We remain committed to building an ethical, accountable and capable institution in which residents can have confidence,” he said.
Meanwhile, disciplinary proceedings are underway against several other employees. According to the City Integrity and Investigations Director Jimmy Ngcobo, matters under investigation included the alleged theft of asphalt, vehicle parts and stationery, the alleged illegal sale of refuse bags and the alleged unauthorised use of municipal vehicles.
He said these actions would be consequential.
“Every rand lost to theft is a rand diverted from service delivery to our residents. Sanctions will be proportionate to the offence, and disciplinary processes will be applied firmly, fairly and consistently as a deterrent,” said Ngcobo.
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Mzila relayed the City’s appreciation to the residents who have reported wrongdoing and called on organised labour, business and civil society to partner with the City in strengthening ethical conducts across the public service.
Residents are encouraged to report fraud and corruption via the toll-free hotline on 0800 20 20 20 or by email to ombuds@durban.gov.
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