The Emfuleni Local Municipality has confirmed that forensic investigations remain ongoing into a controversial R16 million procurement deal for municipal vehicles, following allegations that many of the procured vehicles were never delivered or cannot be fully accounted for.
Opposition parties in the council have raised serious concerns over the fleet management project, claiming that vehicles purchased with public funds have not materialized in communities where service delivery challenges persist. Critics argue that the expenditure represents a significant misuse of resources, especially as residents continue to face inadequate basic services.
The municipality’s spokesperson emphasized that the decision to initiate the forensic investigation came internally from the office of the municipal manager, without external political pressure or prior knowledge from opposition parties. The probe was launched after the administration detected potential irregularities and allegations surrounding the procurement process.
According to the municipality, the R16 million matter relates specifically to a fleet acquisition project involving the fleet management office, procurement office, and the Chief Financial Officer’s office. Allegations include the purchase of vehicles that were not delivered, despite public announcements and social media promotions highlighting the acquisitions.
The municipality clarified that the ongoing procurement of vehicles — including replacements for an aging fleet — is separate from the R16 million allegations. Officials noted that the municipality requires vehicles to carry out its functions and that previous fleet assets had become outdated.
In addition to the R16 million procurement issue, the municipality has faced criticism for a leasing arrangement that cost an additional R12 million. Combined, these expenditures on purchasing and leasing vehicles have totaled over R20 million, drawing further scrutiny amid persistent service delivery shortfalls.
Opposition voices, including representatives from parties in the Vaal region, have called for deeper police investigations, particularly into suppliers involved. They highlighted instances of trucks and other vehicles reportedly purchased in previous periods that remain unseen in communities, with no visible improvements in service delivery.
One opposition spokesperson stressed the need for accountability, stating: “We want the police to investigate deeper especially in those suppliers because there’s several suppliers who’ve been supplying and fooling with cars that we not seen it as community. There were trucks also that they were bought I think last year early but those trucks they are not anywhere at home the service delivery is still like that there’s not any service delivery in our area.”
The municipality maintains that it proactively addressed the discrepancies by launching the investigation independently and continues to prioritize good governance. However, residents and councillors alike have described the spending on fleet enhancements as “a slap in the face” given the ongoing struggles with basic service provision in the area.
The forensic probe is expected to provide further clarity on the irregularities, with potential recommendations for disciplinary, criminal, or recovery actions depending on the final findings.