FF+ councilor claims Polokwane ghost councilors could be among those costing the city R200 million

• Polokwane Municipality has initiated criminal cases against officials involved in systemic corruption
• A report shared by a law firm shows that the municipality paid wages to 44 ghost workers, 300 overtime workers and workers employed in more than one position.
• Freedom Front Plus Polokwane councilor Henry Lubbe spoke to Briefly News about the arrangements
• The forensic report was prepared following a two-year investigation into allegations of corruption in the city

Over seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, provided insight into South African politics, governance at national, provincial and local levels, Government National Unity, political parties and parliament.

POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO – Polokwane Municipality paid R200 million to ghost workers, workers paid overtime and workers in more than one job.

Polokwane undone by millions

SABC News reported that the municipality sought the help of Bowmans-Gilfillan, who led the forensic investigation for two years. Company forensic report revealed that the city paid 300 workers R128 million in excessive overtime claims. Some employees volunteered for overtime leave.

The report also shows that the commune had 44 ghost workers whose identity documents could not be verified. It was also established that some employees hold several positions in the commune. The city initiated proceedings against people involved in corruption.

FF+ councilor talks Briefly News

– said Henry Lubbe, councilor of the Freedom Front Plus in Polokwane Briefly News that the party informed the council about the stolen money, which led to an investigation. He said some ghost workers are on the council’s payroll.

“We believe that human resources departments should do their job properly. Appropriate electronic systems should be put in place, and managers and directors should do what they are supposed to do,” he said.

He also said managers and directors must be held accountable for failing to put in place appropriate systems to limit excessive overtime.

“This forensic report is shocking to say the least and we believe consistent management and appropriate systems need to be put in place. The money spent on these corrupt activities could have been used to properly provide services.”

South Africans are not surprised

Internet users turned on Facebook they were not surprised to discover the forensic report.

Noko Sediba said:

“ANC is really declining. Observe the space.”

Chonadzeo XVII joked:

“How to become a ghost worker?”

Murendiwa Muhwera Luvhengo replied:

“They play employees who don’t exist. This most often happens when you work under an employment contract and then it ends. Someone then gets paid on your behalf.”

Shuni Ramavhona said:

“Corruption everywhere.”

Bommanas Boma said:

“We are doomed in SA.”

In Work SAPS he said:

“Very useless.”

Officials arrested for corruption in the commune

In a related article entitled Briefly News reported that senior officials from Nongoma Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal they were arrested for corruption.

The municipality’s supply chain manager, chief financial officer, municipal manager and one of the officials’ bodyguards were arrested and charged with fraud, theft and money laundering.

Source: Short News