The money was erroneously transferred to incorrect accounts by SDM officials. Although a quarter of the amount was recovered, residents are losing trust in SDM.

The latest transaction is a double-payment of R2,2 million, totalling R4,4 million, into the bank account of a service provider by the municipality’s officials.

“While the service provider in question has returned the other R2,2 million and retained his due quantum, acting municipal manager Mpho Mofokeng was instructed to take disciplinary action against the implicated officials nonetheless,” said SDM spokesperson, Willy Mosoma.

READ: Allegations of sexual harassment at Sekhukhune municipality

According to reports, the municipality was alerted to the fraud by the same service provider who received the double-payment. Mosoma said the executive mayor of SDM, Stanley Ramaila, is committed to upholding openness and transparency as enjoined by the Batho Pele Principles in pursuance of clean governance.

“His recommendation, that was adopted as resolution by a special council sitting in December 2019, to request the Limpopo Provincial Government to institute a forensic audit in the municipality, is part of his tenacious resolve to fight maladministration and the apparent corruption that has crept into the municipality.” Ramaila has vowed to make public, through council rules and procedures, such cases of maladministration.

In 2018, SDM was defrauded of R5,4 million, which was paid into unknown bank accounts. Only R4,5 million of the R5,4 million was recovered. Mosoma said disciplinary cases and criminal investigations against the officials implicated continue.

Also Read: Sekhukhune remains the under-performing district in Limpopo

In December, it was discovered R12 million meant for the employees’ compensation fund was also paid into an unknown account, in instalments of R1 million per month. Mosoma said employees implicated in the R12 million fraud were served with letters of intention to suspend them, and were given until last Friday to make representations explaining why they should not be suspended.

“Regarding our officials who deposited R12 million into a fraudulent bank account, a decision will be announced in the following days. A criminal investigation by the police is also underway. “As we continue to demand answers, no form of maladministration will be swept under the carpet. Meanwhile, the DA’s Lethabile Kgwedi said the SDM’s anti-corruption stance was not genuine.

“There is an upcoming ANC regional conference in Sekhukhune, and they are taking the taxpayer’s money to support Ramaila’s bid to be reelected as the chairperson of the party in the district.”