The municipal spokesperson, David Magae, says four of its public officers and one traffic official have been busted for business robbery, fraud and theft, amongst others. He says their arrests come after the Directorate for Public Safety was inundated with formal complaints relating to acts of impropriety by members while executing their duties. 

He adds that in one instance, a law enforcement officer in Tlhabane reduced a fine of R5000 to R1000, in line with the Disaster Management Act of 2002, without following proper procedure, and pocketed R4000. Magae adds that on Wednesday evening 13 May, another law enforcement officer and traffic officer were arrested for business robbery in Lemenong Section in Phokeng, where they robbed a tuck shop of R700 and took stock from the business.

"The complaints led to investigations by the directorate's management of other allegations of business robbery, theft and fraud, which are unrelated and occurred at other times.

"Another officer, in one such unrelated incident, also reduced a fine which had previously been issued by the local court, with an amount of R3000 to R200. He did so without following proper procedure or authorisation in respect of what had been permissible to pay as a fine, pocketing the difference," he further adds. 

Another member of the law enforcement unit was arrested and charged for theft after he had received money meant for a fine, issued by the municipality, without issuing a receipt for the payment.

It is alleged that during the investigation, the money was not recorded and a receipt did not exist upon an enquiry by the resident who had been informed to collect the proof of payment a day later.

Meanwhile, the mayor of the municipality, Mpho Khunou, said the municipality has been serious about ridding itself from elements which seek to cause reputational damage to the good name of the institution. 

“This indeed vindicates our long-held view that we will deal decisively with all officials who are alleged to be involved in acts of wrongdoing. 

"In order to ensure that the city progresses well, strategies from crime prevention will be continuously implemented without any fear, favour or prejudice for the benefit of our people and their safety,” Khunou adds.

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