Busisiwe Mkhweebane has since ordered the municipality reinstate the suspended the chief audit executive, Mpho Seero, after she found that Seero was suspended in retaliation for blowing the whistle on ‘irregular and unauthorized expenditure’ of over R54 million.

Mkhwebane’s findings come after Seero alleged that that the former acting municipal manager, improperly suspended him following his submission of a protected disclosure to the municipal council.

Following her investigation, the PP found that Seero’s suspension was unreasonable, unfair and could justifiably be seen as an exercise by the former municipal manager to remove Seero, who had accused him of being involved in the corrupt activities.

On Mkhwebane’s reported she directed the current MM to ensure that Seero was reinstated to his position within 30 days of the date on the final report, which was May 13. The municipality is yet to comment.

OFM News previously reported that the Mayor of the Municipality, Maetu Kgaile, rejected earlier reports that the municipal manager, Theetsi Nkhumise, allegedly failed to disclose his alleged criminal record. 

Speaking to OFM News, Kgaile said the allegation is not true since they have done everything according to the book.

She said a thorough background check was done on Nkhumise and nothing irregular was uncovered by the municipality. 

Earlier the Mail & Guardian reported that irate residents of the municipality have approached lawyers to force the municipality to remove Nkhumise because of the allegations. 

Maetu said the allegations have no substance and they reject them.

OFM News