Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng’s Vaal region is facing fresh allegations of corruption and fraud after the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) opened a criminal case against four municipal officials. The case centers on several procurement irregularities, particularly involving fleet vehicle purchases and leasing deals where funds were allegedly spent but the vehicles were not delivered or accounted for.
According to details from the MK Party, a fraud and corruption case has been formally registered at a local police station against the four officials. These include individuals from the Chief Financial Officer’s (CFO) office, the fleet management unit, and the procurement office. One of the implicated officials is described as a member of the executive committee, specifically the MMC for finance.
The MKP’s regional leader in the Vaal, Mr. Temba, explained that the party took this step after opposition parties — both those represented in the municipal council and others outside it — repeatedly flagged suspicious transactions. He highlighted two key instances warranting criminal investigation:
- A R16 million deal for the purchase of vehicles intended for the fleet management office. Mr. Temba stated that numerous cars were allegedly bought, but they were never delivered to the municipality. He noted that the procurement manager involved also serves as an agency secretary in the region, raising further concerns about conflicts of interest. Despite public announcements and social media posts claiming the municipality had acquired new vehicles, community members report no visible improvement in service delivery, with vehicles nowhere to be seen.
- A separate R12 million transaction involving the leasing of second-hand vehicles, some described as “shy” (likely meaning substandard or suspect). Mr. Temba emphasized that multiple suppliers have been involved in providing vehicles that the community has not seen, including trucks purchased earlier that remain unaccounted for. He stressed that service delivery in the area continues to suffer as a result.
Mr. Temba reported that police described the case as sensitive and serious, indicating it cannot be handled lightly at the local level. Officers informed the complainants that the matter would be escalated to higher structures — likely provincial or specialized units — for proper investigation, given its complexity and the knowledge of those who opened it.
The MKP intends to monitor progress closely and pursue accountability from the implicated officials, including the CFO’s office, the fleet manager, and the MMC for finance. The party has committed to follow-ups to ensure the investigation advances.
The matter relates to broader concerns raised by opposition parties about procurement processes in the municipality, where large sums have reportedly been expended on fleet enhancements without corresponding benefits to residents.
Police have confirmed the case opening, while the municipality has been approached for comment and will be given an opportunity to provide its response. No arrests or court appearances have been reported yet, as the investigation is in its early stages.