Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Committee Resolves to Call Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding Stalled Municipal Cases in Free State.
M2 PRESSWIRE-May 18, 2022-: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Committee Resolves to Call Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding Stalled Municipal Cases in Free State
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RDATE:18052022
The Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water and Sanitation has raised a serious concern about stalling of cases of alleged impropriety within municipalities in the Free State that arose as a result of various Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act investigations. As a result of that, the committee has resolved to call all law enforcement agencies within the next two weeks to get a progress report and reasons for the unacceptable delays.
"We are of the view that the delays and lack of consequence management undermine the effort to create a capable state as envisioned in the National Development Plan. The committee deems it important to call the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, the leadership of the Directorate of Priority Crimes and the National Prosecuting Authority to account on the reasons behind the delays," said Mr China Dodovu, the Chairperson of the committee.
The committee's concern stems from the fact that some cases date back as early as 2011. That, according to the committee diminishes the need to fast-track cases on the one hand, and it weakens the fight against corruption and financial impropriety something which confirms a perception of a weak state on allegations of corruption on the hand. For example, the case of the Municipal Manager of Ngwathe Local Municipality who is accused of increasing his salary and approving a once-off payment for himself is still not finalised.
The committee was informed that there are currently 20 cases that are being investigated by the HAWKS and it is of the view that an update is necessary to assess the progress and challenges if any. It has also highlighted its concern about the political instability in some of these municipalities such as Mohokare Local Municipality which has resulted in the delay in commencing the Section 106 investigations.
Meanwhile, the committee received a progress report on the Section 154 support to the municipality and subsequently the court ordered mandatory intervention in terms of Section 139 (4) and (5) of the Constitution at Mafube Local Municipality. The committee welcomed the various...
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