Emfuleni Local Municipality has opened a criminal case against employees and service providers implicated in a R16 million ‘ghost’ fleet procurement scandal, following mounting political pressure and deepening allegations of corruption and procurement irregularities.
The municipality confirmed that Municipal Manager April Ntuli formally lodged the case with the Vanderbijlpark SAPS and has initiated disciplinary action against implicated officials.
The move comes after The Star previously exposed serious concerns surrounding the fleet deal, including missing vehicles, questionable payments, and glaring procurement irregularities.
The scandal centres on allegations that millions of rand were spent on trucks, graders and bakkies that were either never delivered, became unusable shortly after delivery, or cannot be accounted for. Investigators have also flagged irregular documentation, including invoices signed off as proof of delivery despite missing assets, duplicate engine numbers, and vehicles registered to third parties instead of the municipality.
As previously reported, pressure has intensified over the scandal, with ActionSA Gauteng caucus leader Funzi Ngobeni questioning delays in confirming whether a criminal case had been opened and accusing authorities of failing to act decisively.
Ngobeni warned that the lack of clarity around criminal proceedings raises serious concerns about accountability, particularly in a case involving millions of rand allegedly spent on undelivered goods. He argued that the matter points to possible financial misconduct and criminality, insisting that oversight bodies already have the authority to intervene where fraud is suspected.
In response, the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) dismissed the claims as politically motivated, maintaining that due process must be respected. Spokesperson Theo Nkonki said government cannot unlawfully interfere in municipal affairs and stressed that investigations must be allowed to run their course.
COGTA added that the matter had been referred back to the municipality, which is already conducting internal investigations, warning that premature intervention would undermine governance processes.
Ntuli said the decision to open a criminal case forms part of broader efforts to restore accountability and rebuild trust within the municipality.
“The municipality is going to ensure that all disciplinary processes proceed with vigour, ELM will not tolerate any form of abuse of public resources,” he said.
He said the administration is focused on stamping out corruption and holding those responsible accountable, adding that protecting public funds and enforcing transparent governance remain central to its mandate.
Ntuli confirmed that all documentation has been handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), with disciplinary action and the potential blacklisting of implicated companies expected to follow.
“We remain confident that the South African justice system will investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable those who abuse public office for personal gain,” he said.
He reiterated that restoring public trust in the municipality depends on decisive action against corruption.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za
