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Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng opened an inquiry docket with the South African Police Services' Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) to investigate the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mzi Khumalo, over the Emfuleni Local Municipality generators corruption scandal.

Emfuleni has spent over R15 million on generators, yet it is not clear whether the money was spent leasing the generators or procuring them.

Firstly, MEC Khumalo stated that the money was spent procuring generators for the municipality instead of leasing them.

The MEC further indicated during the oral replies to the DA questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) that the questions asked were relating to the procurement of generators and not the leasing.

The DA tabled follow-up questions to the MEC, who, in his response, indicated that no new generators had been procured within the last five financial years in Emfuleni.

The information is contrary to what he said when he was asked about the procurement of generators.

The DA has approached the Hawks to investigate what happened to over R15 million spent on generators, where are the generators, and who benefited from this money.

Should it be found that the money was stolen, those implicated must be held accountable and pay back all the money that was meant to benefit the residents of Emfuleni.

In addition, MEC Khumalo has a case to answer, as he is responsible for ensuring that municipalities administer their finances properly.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the investigation and provide the Hawks with all the necessary information to ensure that no stone is left turned and those responsible face the mighty of the law.

Issued by Kingsol Chabalala MPL - DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head