SASOLBURG – Metsimaholo Local Municipality has responded to allegations of dodgy tender dealings at the Amelia graveyard, which has plunged an EFF councillor six feet deep in controversy.
This follows a Ster article about Ward 23 councillor Manana Mozolo, who has been implicated in a R13m graveyard construction project after residents blew the whistle on alleged irregularities at the cemetery site.
Mozolo is accused of manipulating the project to benefit herself, friends, and family. According to information at our disposal, a newly registered company belonging to the councillor’s daughter pocketed thousands for work that was never done.
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Ster sent an inquiry to the municipality, which has since broken its silence on the matter.
In a written response, municipal spokesperson, Dr. Gino Alberts, confirmed that both the Mayor’s Office and Municipal Manager’s Office received questions from the residents about the alleged tender irregularities.
“We confirm that both the Mayor’s Office and the Municipal Manager’s Office received the correspondence referenced in your enquiry. We are fully aware of the concerns raised and take such allegations of fraud and corruption very seriously,” he said.
Alberts said the municipality has a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, warning that anyone caught with their hands in the cookie jar will face the music.
“Any act of fraud, corruption, or unethical conduct by a councillor or municipal official is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We strongly condemn any attempt to compromise the integrity of our municipal processes, procurement systems, or the trust of our residents,” he added.
The municipality insists it won’t comment on the allegations until investigations are complete, but says it’s determined to keep things clean.
“While we cannot comment or speculate on allegations, we assure the public that the municipality has zero tolerance for corrupt practices.”
Alberts urged whistleblowers to open a case with SAPS and provide all relevant documentation.
“We urge any person with knowledge or evidence of fraudulent or corrupt activities involving a councillor or municipal official to report such matters directly to the South African Police Service. This ensures that matters are investigated thoroughly, independently, and in accordance with the law. The municipality will cooperate fully with all lawful investigations and will take decisive action against any official found to have engaged in wrongdoing,” he said.
