MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs China Dodovu has condemned in the strongest possible terms the alleged fraudulent activities which led to the arrest of eight municipal officials of Moses Kotane Municipality in Mogwase.

They were arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Commercial Crime Unit following a discovery of unauthorised transactions from the municipal account amounting to R6.5 million.

“Fraudulent and corrupt activities on state funds is stealing from the poor and as government we will not turn a blind eye on such criminal elements. These activities should be rooted out at all cost as they derail intended developments of communities that the municipality serve”, MEC Dodovu said.

MEC Dodovu however says he respects the rule of the law and will regard everyone as innocent until proven guilty by the court of law. He appeals to municipal officials in other municipalities to take a bold step as has been done in Moses Kotane in assisting the municipalities to deal with corrupt and fraudulent activities.

Source: allAfrica.com