More arrests in eThekwini tender corruption scandal

 Another sub-contractor implicated in the R208 million eThekwini Municipality waste tender fraud was arrested on Thursday morning, the Hawks have confirmed. 

The arrest of 26-year-old Dolly Pamella Mhlongo forms part of the ongoing probe into corruption at the municipality. 

Hawks’ spokesperson, brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said Mhlongo represents Mcebezeli Trading. She will join seven suspects who were arrested by the specialised crime unit’s Clean Audit Task Team (CATT) for fraud, corruption and money laundering in contravention of the Municipal Finance Act and Municipal System Act.

eThekwini Durban Solid Waste tender scandal

Four eThekwini councillors, municipal officials and community based contractors were arrested by the CATT on Wednesday for allegedly being involved in the Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender scandal. 

Councillors Nomthandazo Abigail Shabalala (50), Sithenjwa Mishack Nyawose (57), Thembelihle Grace De Lange (45) and Nomsa Mthembu (70) appeared briefly at the Durban commercial crime court on Wednesday with contractors Noxolo Ngcobo (37), representing 12 fingers Trading Enterprise; Muzukhona Sibonelo Radebe (42), linked to WSS Mathetha Trading Enterprise; and Sibongiseni Ntsele (43), representing Bonga Likwena Trading.

They were all granted bail of R5000 each. Their bail conditions included surrendering passports and not interfering with investigations. Mhlongo was also granted R5000 bail with similar conditions. 

In May, then eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede was arrested with senior councillor Mondli Mthembu and 10 others for their alleged role in the racket. 

This eventually led to the African National Congress’s provincial executive committee sacking her as mayor. Gumede is out on R50 000 bail and will appear at the Durban commercial crimes court again in January.

By African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Desiree Erasmus