Someone has blown the whistle on alleged fraud and corruption at the Fezile Dabi Municipality in the Free State.

An enquiry sent to the office of the Municipal Manager by the Municipality's Public Accounts Committee has since shed light on alleged fraud and corruption involving senior officials. The anonymous whistle-blower tipped off the committee led by the EFF Regional Chairperson, April Motaung, about the alleged R200,000 fraud and corruption matter, involving senior officials at the municipality.

Motaung has since confirmed to OFM News that they have received the tip-off and have already sent questions to the municipality. 

He said as per the regulations, the response to the enquiry should be received within seven days. Motaung confirmed they have since requested a breakdown of the payments to acting directors and senior managers. The municipality is yet to comment.

“What policy was applied to substantiate these payments, or was there a specific council resolution justifying the payments, and did the application consistently apply to all current and former acting directors?“

The term “whistleblowing” is used by law enforcement agencies when a person passes on relevant and reliable information concerning wrongdoings, such as fraud and corruption, to a person/organisation they trust. 

“MPAC must therefore inform the council on these developments and conduct the necessary oversight,” he said.

The Fezile Dabi Municipality's Public Account Committee Chairperson, April Motaung.

OFM News previously reported that the former Mayor of the Metsimaholo Municipality, which falls under the Fezile Dabi Municipality, was implicated by an independent report. The Molefi Ntleru Inc. attorneys report said former DA Mayor Jeff Zwane interfered with the administration of the municipality and he had a conflict of interest.

The Ntleru report also accused two senior accounting officials – the Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer – of corruption relating to the R2,4 million security tender.

Zwane was ultimately removed from office after the EFF led by Motuang tabled a motion of confidence against him.

After his removal the council elected another opposition party councillor from the African Independent Congress Jack Malindi as the Executive Mayor. However, it has since emerged Malindi’s future as the mayor also hangs in the balance after a motion of no confidence was served on him.

OFM News/Lucky Nkuyane Corné Daphné