City clamps down on corruption following arrest of employee for diesel theft

A Municipal employee, who was anonymously reported by a community member, was arrested after he was caught red-handed offloading diesel from a water tanker in Reservoir Hills on 11 February.

Subsequent to receiving the tip-off, a team of investigators arrested the employee. He appeared in court on 12 February.

The truck was supposed to be at City Fleet to repair a tyre. The driver was on leave at the time he was caught.

Head of the City Integrity and Investigations Unit Jimmy Ngcobo commended the community member for being courageous to anonymously report fraudulent and corrupt activities.

“The Municipality is losing millions of rands due to theft of diesel and other Municipal resources. Further investigations revealed that the theft of diesel has been happening for over two years. The suspect was selling the diesel for R13 per litre, which is extremely cheap compared to the current diesel rate. He was generating about R5 200 from a 400-litre tank,” said Ngcobo.

He warned other employees who may be involved in fraudulent or corrupt activities, that they would also be caught.

“We are watching the use of diesel by Municipal vehicles. It was strange that one truck was filling up with diesel four times a day. There are also trucks that are spending too much on diesel per month. Employees with this behaviour are a liability to the Municipality. Labour law states that stealing in the workplace is a misconduct and should be granted a sanction congruent to an offense,” Ngcobo said.

Cases of stealing diesel, asphalt tar, car parts, selling of refuse bags, stationery, and the misuse of the Municipal fleet are some of the cases under investigation.

Ngcobo said employees who are caught committing fraud or corruption cannot resign to escape an internal disciplinary case as there is a moratorium preventing employees with criminal cases from leaving their employment.

He said it was incumbent on management to implement intensified control measures to discourage employees from stealing.

“We encourage residents to report fraud and corruption as it directly impacts them as it deprives communities of service delivery they deserve,” he said.

The public can report fraud and corruption by calling 0800 20 20 20 or email ombuds@durban.gov.za

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