VANDERBIJLPARK – The Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) has lifted the lid on a R16m irregular expenditure scandal linked to its Fleet Department.

A forensic investigation into the 2023/2024 financial year flagged several serious issues.

The report, delivered on February 26 by Tshangana & Associates Inc, uncovered gross mismanagement in the verification, acquisition, maintenance, and insurance of municipal fleet assets.

ELM spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni confirmed that the municipality intends to act decisively against those implicated. According to Sangweni, the investigators also identified irregularities involving employees and service providers, recommending that the municipality pursue criminal investigations, disciplinary action, civil recovery of losses, and blacklisting of implicated companies and their directors.

“We strongly believe the justice system will be capable of prosecuting its responsibilities and provide accountability to the people of ELM,” said Sangweni.

The municipality also hit back at biased media reporting and warned councillors about leaking confidential documents. Sangweni stated that sharing in-committee reports with the press breaches the Code of Conduct for Councillors and damages public trust.

Despite the serious findings, Sangweni said the municipality will not comment further on the details of the case at this stage.

ELM has urged the public to remain patient while the legal process unfolds, promising a full summary of the findings once the matter is officially concluded.

“We call on members of the public and the media to allow the process to run its course without speculation. Premature conclusions risk prejudicing the process and unfairly tarnishing the reputation of the municipality.”

Sangweni said the municipality remains committed to clean governance and accountability, adding that a full summary of the findings will be provided once the matter is officially concluded.