Lerato Serero

SEDIBENG. – The Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) has terminated its contract with Munnik Basson and Dagama (MBD) Inc.

MBD, a law firm from Johannesburg, was contracted by ELM around 2014 to collect on all arrears of consumers that are not indigent in Emfuleni, for a three-year period; this was during the era of former Mayor Gretha Hlongwane.

During MBD’s tenure residents had told Sedibeng Ster that its collection methods were not in good faith as they were apparently threatened and/or harassed with SMSs and letters of demand on a continuous basis.

Responding to Sedibeng Ster’s query about the termination of the contract ELM mayoral spokesperson, Lebo Mofokeng said that the termination was like many other contracts that the ELM Executive Mayor Jacob Khawe ordered that the ELM review.

“The process has unfolded and soon the community will be informed on progress after the exhaustion of all the much-needed processes.” ELM has obtained the services of Comperio Audit and Forensic Consulting to assist it with the work that was done by MBD.

A termination letter from ELM to MBD says: “Kindly note that the municipality would like in line with the notice of termination inform you that the contract between yourselves and the municipality has come to an end. Therefore you are requested not to offer any services whatsoever to the municipality.”

Comperio’s says in its mission statement that it is” “a team of experts sharing a common vision and commitment to uncover, confront and resolve corruption in both the public and private sector.”