Council suspends Ledwaba

THE Polokwane municipality in Limpopo has suspended its chief financial officer following allegations of financial misconduct.

The decision to suspend Charles Ledwaba was taken on Tuesday afternoon at a special council meeting. Ledwaba was initially put on precautionary suspension on March 8 pending investigations. Subsequent to that the municipality appointed audit firm Ernst & Young to conduct independent investigations into Ledwaba's activities. The company released the report on Tuesday, resulting in the suspension.

Freddy Greaver, executive mayor of Polokwane, said yesterday that by appointing the company they were avoiding trying Ledwaba or anyone through the media.

"I can confirm that following the report released by Ernst & Young the council has decided to suspend Ledwaba after it was found that he was responsible for financial misconduct and other irregularities," Greaver said yesterday. "After conducting its investigations the company recommended that we take action against the official responsible for mismanaging the institution's finances, hence the decision."

Greaver said they would allow processes to unfold in terms of charging the official and giving him a "fair" opportunity to make a presentation.

He would not divulge details of the misconduct and how much was involved.

- frankm@sowetan.co.za