The former harbour master of Gordon’s Bay Harbour, Malcolm Solomons, has been arrested on charges of fraud and theft following months of investigations into allegations of stealing diesel and accepting bribes from boat users.
According to provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Gordon’s Bay police arrested and detained a 57-year-old man on Wednesday 30 August around 08:00. “The suspect, who is facing 28 criminal charges ranging between fraud and theft, appeared in Strand Magistrates’ Court on the same day of the arrest for the mentioned charges,” stated Swartbooi.
Solomons was suspended in September last year, but resigned three months later amid the ongoing investigation (“Gordon’s Bay Harbour’s state sparks concern,” DistrictMail, 24 August 2022).
A member of the investigation unit at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), who asked not to be named, said the investigation was a collaboration between the department and police. He said that investigations revealed Solomons allegedly stole up to 700 F of diesel over a period and solicited bribes from boat users as they docked.
The Acting Chief Director of Communications and Advocacy at DFFE, Peter Mbelengwa, said the stance of the department is zero-tolerance towards corruption, fraud and theft.
“The department acted immediately when made aware of the allegation of fraud and theft,” he said. “It investigated and gathered the necessary evidence, cooperated with the South African Police Service, which subsequently arrested Mr Solomons.” Mbelengwa added the department would augment and implement the necessary policies, controls and measures to prevent the recurrence of theft and fraud in this regard.
“We are going to embark on consequence management and put monitoring and evaluation measures in place.”
The DFFE has also confirmed Nomonde Simon has since been appointed acting harbour master for Gordon’s Bay Harbour.
A member of the Gordon’s Bay Harbour Users’ Committee, who asked not to be named, has commented that since Solomons’ suspension operations in the harbour had improved significantly.
“The committee, of which the new harbour master, Ms Nomonde Simon is the chair, now meet on a regular basis to address issues in the harbour,” the member said. “Ms Simon has managed to facilitate meetings between harbour users and role-players in the DFFE and Department of Public Works to escalate the historic issues in the harbour with regard to dredging, safety and security.
“It is also noted criminal activity at the harbour has decreased and the presence of unsavoury characters reduced. The efficiency of the slip operation has increased and there is much more cohesion among harbour users working together to make the Old Harbour a welcome place for both the local community and tourists alike.”
Asked for an update on the maintenance activity at the harbour, Mbelengwa stated the DFFE was busy procuring a dredging pump and motor for the coastal structures maintenance team to be able to undertake maintenance dredging in the harbours.
“The DFFE has submitted all requirements to Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and continues to log urgent maintenance requirements on an ongoing basis. Minor maintenance is dealt with by the DFFE maintenance team where possible,” he said.
Solomons was released on bail shortly after he had appeared in court and is expected to be back in the docks on Monday 23 October. Anyone with information that can assist with the police investigation is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
