Corrupt staff and officials at Uthukela District Municipality have been suspended after a report from the Auditor General revealed they were being paid exorbitant allowances and salaries.
At least 17 staff members have so far been suspended as uThukela cracks down on corruption in it’s ranks.
According to Mayor Dudu Mazibuko staff in the salaries department working together with their colleagues had set up fake claims.
People would be getting back-pay every month, at least one employee got a whopping R40 000 in back pay every month for a year.
Staff who worked nine to five jobs in offices were paid overtime and standby allowances.
The corruption discovered stems as far back as 2010.
It is expected that criminal charges will be laid against the masterminds behind the salaries fraud.
“They would pay the staff extra, usually an overtime allowance or back pay and they would split the money with that staff member,” explained Mayor Mazibuko.
The investigation is being fast-tracked with more suspensions and criminal charges expected to follow.