Media Statement: Fraud case opened against two GRDM employees and service provider

For Immediate Release
1 October 2021

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu, has opened a case of possible fraud against two (2) suspended GRDM employees and a Supplier. This is for the alleged payment of goods that were not received by the Municipality. The Municipality has conducted a preliminary investigation and the supplier has agreed to pay back the money that was not due and payable. This payment relates to the procurement of premix and slurry bags.

According to Mr Stratu, the Municipal Finance Management Act, 56 of 2003, section 32(6) clearly states: “The accounting officer must report to the South African Police Service all cases of alleged – (a) irregular expenditure that constitute a criminal offence; and (b) theft and fraud that occurred in the municipality. ”

GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, commended the administration for proactively probing the alleged procurement irregularities. “Corruption at our municipality will not be tolerated because it takes away the scarce resources that are set aside from public funds,” said Booysen. The Executive Mayor urged the public to allow the legal processes to take their course.

Booysen stated that the GRDM remains committed to working together with the public and private sectors to ensure that corrupt elements in the private and public sectors face the full wrath of the law.

Remember to report any instance of fraud that is linked to the GRDM Ethics & Fraud Hotline, 0800 004 006 or e-mail gardenroutedm@behonest.co.za

ENDS