“The municipality has meanwhile suspended three officials who are allegedly involved in this. The possibility is not ruled out that more officials may be involved,” says councillor Gerda Senekal of the FF Plus in Emfuleni.

The irregularities were uncovered when staff noticed that debit order amounts paid into the municipality’s bank account were significantly less than the actual outstanding amount.

“During a financial committee meeting, the FF Plus insisted that the matter be thoroughly investigated and that officials be held responsible for their actions.

“The party also insisted that if an internal investigation found the officials guilty, they should also be charged criminally,” says Senekal.

Emfuleni is already in a financial mess and cannot pay its monthly debt to bulk service providers.

“It cannot be afforded that the municipality is harmed internally as well,” Senekal concluded.