Two municipalities have
\nbeen thrown into panic mode following allegations of fraud related to awarding
\nof tenders to service providers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This led to Chris Hani
\nDistrict (CHDM) and Emalahleni Local municipalities (ELM) releasing statements
\nwithin minutes of each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In CHDM, spokeperson Bulelwa Ganyaza said the
\ndistrict authority was aware of a tender scam carried out involving the fake
\nappointment of service providers. The service providers, she said, were,
\npromised construction of water supply reticulation scheme in villages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe scammers are sending email messages with CHDM contact details to
\nauthenticate this scam and deceive unsuspecting recipients. The district
\nmunicipality is looking into the matter and will be reporting it to the South
\nAfrican Police Services for investigation. The business fraternity is warned about these fraudulent activities and
\nurged not to fall victim,\u201d Ganyaza said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
ELM spokesperson, Luthando Nqumkana, said the alleged fraudsters in the scam involving the
\nmunicipality were purporting to be municipal manager Castro Makedama. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the
\nemails that were sent out to service providers, Makedama is claimed to be
\nasking for money from service providers, he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe
\nfraudster sends emails to service providers and prospective bidders asking for
\nmoney in return for the awarding of tenders. Members of the public are further
\nreminded that tenders and other municipal programmes are advertised, and
\nprocesses are followed according to the prescribed legislation,\u201d Nqumkana said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both municipalities said
\nthey complied with supply chain management and other legislations when awarding
\ntenders. They said no payment was required when bidding for tenders in favour
\nof receiving work according to the prescribed upon policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The municipalities
\nsaid they would open cases with SAPS. However, police spokesperson, captain
\nLariane Jonker, said no case had been opened at the time of writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe
\nStation Commander of Lady Frere (Cacadu) confirmed that no case regarding this
\nincident was reported at his station,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both municipalities
\nappealed to those who received emails to contact police or anti-corruption toll
\nfree number 0800 701701.<\/p>\n\n\n\n