The Tshwane metro’s anti-crime hotline has proven to be a success, as the metro has managed to catch criminals through it. The hotline was started by the metro in February to help curb criminal activities among employees. According to the metro’s media liaison director, Lindela Mashigo, any crimes can be reported on the hotline. “Crimes that are normally reported are fraud, corruption and theft. The majority of allegations made are regarding illegal electricity reconnections.”
Mashigo mentioned that most of the allegations received through the hotline were substantiated, however, in some instances the whistle-blowers, who remained anonymous, did not provide enough information for Forensic Services to investigate the matter further.
“Recent tip-offs led to the arrest of an official who was stealing cables from the electricity department. Officials have also been arrested for fuel siphoning as a result of information obtained through the hotline, and they have been dismissed and criminally charged for the fraudulent clearing of consumer municipal accounts. A number of officials have been disciplined as a result of information related to various other forms of misconduct obtained through the hotline,” Mashigo indicated.
He also said that it was important that people knew what was needed in order for further investigation to take place when they reported a crime. This information is as follows: * who committed the irregularity/crime * what is the nature of the irregularity/crime * when did it occur * where did it occur * how was the irregularity/crime committed.
“We receive, on average, five calls per day. Calls are forwarded on the same day and attended to. How the hotline works is that a call is received by the KPMG hotline and a report with a reference number is generated, wherein all the information provided by the whistle-blower is captured. The report is forwarded to the city’s Group Audit Risk Department and the city manager. The report is assessed for legitimacy and to establish if an investigation is warranted. If the matter falls outside the mandate of Forensic Services, the matter is referred to the relevant department for further attention.”
He also said that when the crime reported was under investigation, the whistle blower was allowed to follow up on the case using the reference number provided to him/her in the initial call.
The public is advised to make use of the hotline to help the metro ignite excellence. The number is 080-874-9263.
