Tyre scam allegations hit Newcastle municipality
The local branch of a tyre supplier has denied its involvement in a municipal fraud case.
A report by a national media house implicates the Newcastle branch of Tiger Wheel & Tyre in a multi-million Rand ‘tyre tender scam’ involving municipal workshop employees.
However company representatives deny this is the case.
The Newcastle Advertiser has confirmed the municipality’s Internal Audit (IA) investigated an annual tender for tyres on municipal vehicles and submitted a report in the mid-year.
This landed on the desk of suspended Municipal Manager Errol Mswane.
Mswane stated the IA report had ‘gaps’ in that certain facts could not be verified, and he pushed for an outside investigator to look into the matter.
An independent report is anticipated some time in 2019.
“I couldn’t pronounce on this until we have the final product of the report and it is tabled in council. But it is true it’s under investigation.”
Managing Executive for Tiger Wheel & Tyre Chris Farrar confirmed he was aware of the investigation and subsequent report but denied the supply of any ‘inferior, second-hand or re-tread tyres’.
He called these allegations a total fabrication of the facts.
ALSO READ: Estate agent’s devastating home invasion horror
He also expressed concern the article followed a successful bid for tyres by Tiger Wheel & Tyre Newcastle and believed disgruntled tenderers could be involved.
“We are always about quality brands and quality service and support our franchisee, who assures us everything is above board. If anything comes out, it will come out later.”
Councillors have expressed their concerns that the Internal Audit report on the tyre tender, which was compiled internally, was now well and truly in the public domain.
Contact us
WhatsApp: 082 874 5550
Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
Make sure you follow us for constant updates:
