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The DA in North West notes the arrest of the former acting Treasury HOD and current Provincial Accountant-General, Mr Geo Paul, on charges relating to fraud and tender irregularities.

Mr Paul allegedly approved the appointment of Morake Attorneys, despite a lower bid received for the same service, to conduct disciplinary proceedings against three officials at a cost of R15 million in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

We have written to Finance MEC, Motlalepula Rosho, requesting her to suspend Mr Paul while the investigations are ongoing and to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings against him.

MEC Rosho should also conduct an internal audit to ensure that Mr Paul, in his capacity as the Provincial Accountant-General, did not misappropriate or cover up any other fraudulent activities during his tenure. All documentation related to his role should be kept secure while investigations are underway.

MEC Rosho, and the Head of Department (HOD), Mr Ndlela Kunene, must ensure that all documentation related to this case is made available to the HAWKS.

The DA will keep a close eye on this case. Once again, the ANC through its cadre deployment policy has robbed the people of North West of money that should be spent on improving service delivery.  

Issued by Jacqueline Theologo - DA North West Spokesperson on Provincial Treasury