EKHEPHINI- The Eastern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, HAWKS has arrested another official from the Joe Gqabi District Municipality in connection with alleged fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to a controversial Ugie water infrastructure tender.
The municipality said the arrest relates to a tender advertised on 01 December 2019 for the procurement and installation of water pipes intended to benefit the Ugie community.
In a statement issued by the municipality on Sunday states that, the Joe Gqabi District Municipality said it respected the rule of law and would allow the criminal justice process to unfold without interference.
“The courts are the appropriate forum to determine the merits of the allegations and the evidence before them,” the municipality said.
It said it would not comment on the guilt or innocence of the accused official and would abide by the outcome of the judicial process.
The latest arrest follows allegations of misconduct surrounding the tender award and the processing of an advance payment for goods that had not yet been delivered.
According to the municipality, internal investigations were instituted when the allegations first came to light.
“These processes were dealt with in accordance with the information and findings available to the municipality at the time,” it said.
The municipality further said it had also taken note of the latest allegations reported by the Hawks.
These include claims that the procurement process was manipulated through fraudulent and collusive conduct, as well as allegations that officials certified delivery notes and invoices despite the goods allegedly not having been delivered.
The Hawks have further alleged that the municipality suffered actual financial prejudice of more than R1.6 Million.
The municipality stressed that these remain allegations and must be tested through the criminal justice system.
“These are allegations before the criminal justice system and must be tested through the appropriate legal process,” it said.
The municipality said it remained committed to transparency, accountability, ethical conduct and sound supply chain management.
It further said that should wrongdoing ultimately be established, appropriate administrative and disciplinary action would be taken in accordance with applicable legislation and its internal policies.
The latest development adds to scrutiny of the municipality’s handling of the Ugie water project and its procurement processes.
The accused official’s arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt and the official remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise in court.
Courtesy of IMAGE: Supplied/Internet
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