Tender Cloud Over Mayor

AWARDS: ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION INVOLVING POLOKWANE EXECS

- Masoka Dube

The non-profit civil rights group, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), has called on relevant authorities to investigate allegations of more than R50 million worth of corruption involving the Polokwane mayor and municipal manager.

Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage was reacting to allegations that mayor John Mpe and municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni awarded a R56.3 million tender to a company linked to a Zimbabwean national believed to be close to them.

The allegation surfaced recently after the matter was reported by local media and shared on social media.

"These allegations should be investigated, more so if the anonymous whistle-blower provides sufficient evidence/facts about the allegations," Duvenage said.

"The extent of corruption and patronage in municipalities is outrageous. All oversight entities and the criminal justice system must act with urgency to assess the facts, suspend the individuals concerned and ensure accountability and if necessary, criminal charges are applied soonest."