The KwaZulu Natal Democratic Allience (DA) provincial leader Sithembiso Ngema has commended the Department of Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for a job well done. After the report of Uthukela District Municipal Manager being arrested last night (October 21)

”If it is true that Langelihle Jili has been taken into custody and is being questioned by the police, I would like to congratulate the Department of Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for a job well done.” he said

According to reports, the official was allegedly arrested during a police sting operation. However, the full circumstances surrounding the arrest remain unclear.

Ngema stated that as the DA had opposed the hiring of Jili in the position of municipal manager at Uthukela District Municipality, not because they have any hatred towards him as an individual, but because of the history of theft and corruption that took place under his watch where he has served in IFP-led municipalities in the past.

DA’s comment

If it is true that Langelihle Jili has been taken into custody and is being questioned by the police, I would like to congratulate the Department of Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for a job well done.

The DA had opposed the hiring of Jili in the position of municipal manager at Uthukela District Municipality, not because we have any hatred towards him as an individual, but because of the history of theft and corruption that took place under his watch where he has served in IFP-led municipalities in the past. We (the DA) raised our concerns to say that we cannot have an MM with such a history.

Since Jili was appointed, the Uthukela District Municipality has incurred R1.3 billion in unauthorised, wasteful, and fruitless expenditure. In the meantime, the people in Uthukela don’t even have water. They are using water tankers and these water tankers do not provide water to all the residents.

I would like to applaud the work being done by KZN Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, and by DA Uthukela constituency head, Thys Janse van Rensburg, in holding this municipality to account in that regard.

Public funds must not be used to serve certain individuals; it must provide for the service delivery needs of the community. We are not pronouncing Jili’s guilt or innocence. Justice must take its course in a court of law, but we are grateful to the work being done by the police service to ensure that justice is served.

HAWKS confirm the arrest

HAWKS KZN spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo has confirmed that Mr Jili has been taken into custody but has not yet been charged. The operation is still ongoing.

ANC comment

African National Congress (ANC) Spokesperson in Josiah Gumede Region Sipho Ndaba said they have heard about the arrest of Jili; they hope the justice will prevail.

”We have heard on the news about the arrest of IFP-led uThukela District Municipality’s Municipal Manager, Mr Jili’s.

We trust that the justice system will prevail. We have been saying this as the ANC in the Josiah Gumede Region, and we tried several times to get MM to answer about finances and corruption in uThukela District Municipality.

The last time IFP defended Jili when the ANC Councillors wanted to subject him to investigation, the IFP used its majority and money to stop the council from excercising its powers and mandate to do oversight.

We are calling for the Speaker to immediately call the council meeting, to discuss this embarrassment.” Ndaba said

Uthukela comment on the matter

The municipality issued a statement stating it noted the circulating media reports; however, it would not comment on the allegations until verified facts are established through appropriate legal processes.

Uthukela statement is as follows ”UThukela District Municipality has noted circulating media reports regarding the alleged arrest of a senior municipal official.

The Municipality will refrain from commenting on the allegations until verified facts are established through the appropriate legal processes. The Municipality upholds the principle of presumption of innocence and will address any matters requiring its attention in accordance with applicable legislation and policies.”

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