MM and CFO face suspension
Last Wednesday (10 February), the J.B. Marks administrator, Thupi Mokhatla, delivered notices of “intention of precautionary suspension” to the municipal manager (MM), Lebu Ralekgetho, and the chief financial officer, Ms Tumisang Moeketsane, in connection with their alleged involvement in serious misconduct.
Their suspensions are based on the Special Investigating Unit’s report that was submitted to Mokhatla. In the report, the MM and CFO are implicated in alleged unlawful procurement processes and fraudulent completions, and backdating procurement documentation involving various companies.
They also allegedly failed to ensure that proper, comprehensive records were kept of all financial transactions of the municipality. In addition, they are accused of failing to ensure the integrity of the financial system and records and failing to advise the municipal council appropriately about irregular and unlawful financial transactions.
In the communication to the MM, the administrator mentioned that the investigator faced various challenges in obtaining the relevant documents and evidence, including but not limited to the MM’s personnel file, his employment agreement and certain records relating to his employment with the municipality.
The administrator wants to suspend both the MM and CFO as a precautionary measure because he believes their presence could potentially intimidate prospective witnesses not to disclose all material facts and fully cooperate during the proceedings. He also believes there is a real possibility that the misconduct could continue.
Ralekgetho and Moeketsane had seven days to respond to the precautionary suspension and submit a written statement not later than 17 February, proving why they should not be suspended.
The letter also stated that should the suspension be approved, they will be suspended with immediate effect. They will be required to be available either on their cell phones or at home; they will not be allowed to remove anything from their offices or premises of the municipality and they will not be permitted to enter any premises of the municipality or their offices during the period of the suspension. They will also be prohibited from seeking any information or documentation from members of staff or municipal councillors. They will be instructed to hand over any access cards and computer equipment.
The Herald approached the municipality for comment on the suspension. William Maphosa, the municipal spokesperson, confirmed the intended precautionary suspensions. “The letters were served on Thursday last week and they (MM and CFO) are expected to respond within seven days and indicate why they should not be suspended,” Maphosa stated.
