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The DA in eThekwini has today opened a criminal case against eThekwini Municipality City Manager, Musa Mbhele, Chief Financial Officer, Sandile Mnguni and Head of Housing, Lawrence Pato in terms of section 34 (1) of the prevention and combating of corrupt Activities Act, 12 of 2004 in that they failed to report the alleged theft of R17 million (view affidavit here).

The said R17 million had been set aside to complete three housing projects in uMlazi, Emaphephetheni, and KwaMakhutha. According to the municipality officials have been suspended after investigations confirmed that two companies unlawfully benefitted from this money.

The City Manager, CFO and Head of Housing, are the officers responsible for reporting offenses in line with section 34(1) of the prevention and combating of corrupt activities act as they are persons who hold positions of authority and are fully aware of the involvement of those who have committed offences.

After we had made verbal enquiries we were informed that to date no criminal charges have been opened against the implicated officials. It is for this reason that we have today opened a criminal case against the three.

We are of the view that they are an accessory to crime and ANC corruption enablers. They have shown the lengths they are willing to go to protect the interests of the ANC and its cadres.

This, despite the fact that these funds were also meant to help rebuild homes of flood victims. In typical ANC style they chose to line their own pockets at the expense of residents.

Due to the above irregular and alleged fraudulent transactions, there will also be a budget shortfall in the current financial year.

For almost 30 years, the ANC has continued to show total disregard for the plight of residents. It is time to send a strong message to the ANC by voting them out of government come 2024 and instead vote for a party that has a proven track record of getting things done.

Issued by Councillor Thabani Mthethwa - DA eThekwini Caucus Leader