Lekwa suspects five employees of fuel fraud
Lekwa municipal manager, Malose Lamola, explained during the investigation they found that approximately R100 000 disappears from the municipal fuel account each week.
The Lekwa Local Municipality is taking proactive steps to hold municipal workers accountable for alleged fuel fraud that could amount to an estimated R6m a year.
Lubabalo Majenge communications officer for Lekwa Local Municipality stated senior officials such as the chief financial officer, municipal manager and other senior officials reviewed the municipal fuel account, after suspecting municipal workers might be involved in fraudulent activities.
The LLM launched internal investigations to determine the state of the allegations and the amount of money lost because of the alleged fraud.
Lekwa municipal manager, Malose Lamola, explained during the investigation they found that approximately R100 000 disappears from the municipal fuel account each week.
“It is difficult to give an exact amount at this stage, as the investigation is still ongoing and we do not know how long the fraud has been going on,” said Lamola.
The municipality is busy with an internal investigation to determine the full extent of the losses.
“Our findings are only allegations, but the municipality is planning to take action against those suspected of being involved in this crime,” stated Lamola.
“We identified five suspects, but the municipality expected more to be involved in this fraud, because of the large amounts of missing funds.”
Lamola explained they questioned the employees and expected them to explain these inconsistencies.
“The employees also had to state why Lekwa should not suspend them, based on the allegations as per municipal procedures and processes,” said Lamola.
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The employees responded to the allegations, but it did not satisfy the municipality.
“The suspension of these employees is imminent, pending administrative work. An item will serve in the council to approve a forensic investigation on this matter.
“The potential scale and seriousness of these allegations have led the municipality to take firm and immediate action,” said Lamola.
The municipality stated they aim to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud and ensure that fraudsters are held accountable for their actions.
“This internal investigation is ongoing and I suspect we will uncover many more cases as we investigate.”
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