BOIPATONG – ActionSA formally laid a criminal complaint with the Boipatong police in connection with the shocking abandonment of the Boipatong Old Age Home project.
This comes after the publicly funded development, which has cost taxpayers over R28m, remains incomplete, vandalised, and without any services delivered.
Coupled with the certified value of actual work done at only R13m, this suggests possible overpayment or fraudulent certification of work.
The complaint, submitted by ActionSA Gauteng Provincial chairperson Funzi Ngobeni, outlines compelling evidence of financial misconduct, fraudulent expenditure, and gross dereliction of duty by both contractors and government officials.
Moses Mogajane and Captain Tlou Tebello Mokgotho helped open the case. Photo: Sifiso Jimta
“This project is a textbook case of how corruption and incompetence rob communities of dignity. We will not allow public funds to disappear while our elderly continue to suffer without care or protection,” said Ngobeni.
The project, originally implemented by the Emfuleni Local Municipality, was later handed over to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) for completion.
Yet, years later, no accountability has been taken for the failure to deliver the old age home despite payments exceeding R28m to contractors and service providers.
Ngobeni listed key allegations that they included as complaints for opening the criminal case.
“R25m paid to contractors JM Mcwango Trading and Makgotamishe Building Construction, despite the site being abandoned. Professional fees of over R3m paid with no service benefit.”
“No recovery of funds or disciplinary action taken against any official. Possible violations of the PFMA, MFMA, and anti-corruption legislation,” said Ngobeni.
Boipatong top officers helped in opening the case; however, they indicated that due to the amount involved, the case will be referred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
