Leaked report exposes council’s dirty laundry
In an explosive exposé, the Newcastle Advertiser gives a detailed account, over a series of articles, on the rot that has set into the governance of the local municipality which, according to a shocking report, is believed to have begun in former Mayor Afzul Rehman’s time.
It will detail the conclusions which led the investigative teams to allege that he abused his position to enrich companies belonging to his family at the expense of the local ratepayer, and how he allegedly coerced high-ranking municipal officials, politicians and local businesses into doing his bidding.
The stomach-churning exposé that follows is based on documents leaked anonymously to the Caxton Local Media (NKZN) Investigative Team.
The coverage in this week’s Newcastle Advertiser uncovers the following:
The ANC’s dirty little secret
Among the documents the Newcastle Advertiser has in its possession is a report based on the forensic investigation conducted by the Internal Audit Unit of KZN’s Treasury Department, and the findings of an investigation conducted in August 2014 by Cogta (the Department of Co-operative Goveranance and Traditional Affairs officials dealing with municipal finance, and Treasury officials specialising in supply chain management.
Will Rehman face criminal charges?
It is alleged that former Newcastle mayor Afzul Rehman was emptying municipal coffers into the pockets of his ‘comrades’ and his little brother, Riaz Rehman, by enticing business people, politicians and municipal officials to be complicit to his alleged scheme.
Brothers’ Phonetastic connection
The forensic report describes how Afzul Rehman allegedly bullied staff into concluding cell phone contracts with Phonetastic, a business managed by his brother, Riaz.
Rehman brothers’ blackout bonus
Afzul Rehman’s brother, Riaz, allegedly profited R2 411 000 from the electrical blackout on July 18, 2014 that affected 916 Lennoxton homes, according to the forensic report.
Mandela’s funeral allegedly milked for a quick buck
In Newcastle, a small band of ANC cronies allegedly used Mandela’s funeral to make a quick R800k.
Full coverage is available in the Newcastle Advertiser – available June 6.
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