ELM corruption scandal claims another top official

VANDERBIJLPARK. – A top official in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) has been suspended in connection with the ever-widening corruption and maladministration scandal rocking the ANC-controlled authority.

The suspension of Potso Mohajane, Head of Customer Care in the Revenue Management Agency, was confirmed by ELM yesterday (Tuesday) on inquiry by Vaalweekblad & Sedibeng Ster. He was suspended three weeks ago after allegations of “serious misconduct,” the nature of which ELM has not disclosed yet.
In a press statement ELM told Vaalweekblad that the municipality views the allegations levelled against Mr Mohajane in a very serious light, and is doing everything possible to conclude this matter speedily.

Mohajane’s suspension has placed ELM corruption to the centre-stage of the August 3 elections, with DA Executive Mayor candidate Kingsol Chabalala accusing the ANC’s incumbent Simon Mofokeng of failing the people. Former Municipal Manager Sam Shabalala was last month removed from his position after the DA exposed massive and ongoing corruption at the heart of ELM’s financial and management systems. Widespread corruption at ELM was earlier confirmed by Executive Mayor Simon Mofokeng – who admitted to a figure of at least R30 – million – but promised arrests and cleanup actions to stop what he termed “the rot” at ELM. ELM corruption has now become a central election issue in the Vaal region, with the Democratic Alliance using it against the ANC and contrasting poor service delivery and rampant graft at ELM with Midvaal, a showcase DA-controlled area.

The ANC has been accused of deliberately delaying forensic investigations into corruption and maladministration due to the August 3 local elections.
“Mayor Simon Mofokeng is clearly serving the ANC and not the people of Emfuleni – that is why he has failed Emfuleni and its people. Where are the arrests he has promised?” asked Kingsol Chabalala.