A top government official has been arrested after money was allegedly paid into his bank account by a company trying to win a lucrative contract for the eNaTIS system‚ which includes the registration of motor vehicles and drivers’ licences.
George Mahlalela‚ the former Director General at the Department of Transport‚ appeared before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday after his arrest for fraud‚ corruption and money laundering.
His co-accused were named as Zakhele Gilbert Thwala (56)‚ Sibusiso Justin Ncube (48) and Tebogo Kgosietsile Trevor Mphuti (45).
The Hawks said in a statement that Mahlalela allegedly spearheaded the renewal of the eNaTIS contract without following proper procedure.
The directorate alleged their investigation had revealed that soon after the contract was renewed‚ Tasima (Pty) Ltd‚ a company that owns eNaTIS‚ deposited millions of rand to Mahlalela’s bank account. Thwala‚ Ncube and Mphuti also benefited from the entire deal.
The four were released on R10‚000 bail each and their case has been postponed to July 2016 to allow for further investigation.
“While one does not want to prejudge the matter‚ this should serve as a warning to all departmental officials to do their work with honesty and integrity. In fact‚ these kind of allegations would not even arise if officials do their jobs‚ which they get paid for‚ diligently and conscientiously‚” the National Head of the Hawks Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza said.
“The Hawks are committed to fighting fraud and corruption and I have committed to the people of this country that I will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that government officials discharge their duties with utmost honesty. If we believe there is reason to be suspicious‚ we will not hesitate to arrest those responsible and let the law take its course‚” said Ntlemeza.
Hawks arrest senior Transport Department official for corruption
A top government official has been arrested after money was allegedly paid into his bank account by a company trying to win a lucrative contract for the eNaTIS system‚ which includes the registration of motor vehicles and drivers’ licences.
George Mahlalela‚ the former Director General at the Department of Transport‚ appeared before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday after his arrest for fraud‚ corruption and money laundering.
His co-accused were named as Zakhele Gilbert Thwala (56)‚ Sibusiso Justin Ncube (48) and Tebogo Kgosietsile Trevor Mphuti (45).
The Hawks said in a statement that Mahlalela allegedly spearheaded the renewal of the eNaTIS contract without following proper procedure.
The directorate alleged their investigation had revealed that soon after the contract was renewed‚ Tasima (Pty) Ltd‚ a company that owns eNaTIS‚ deposited millions of rand to Mahlalela’s bank account. Thwala‚ Ncube and Mphuti also benefited from the entire deal.
The four were released on R10‚000 bail each and their case has been postponed to July 2016 to allow for further investigation.
“While one does not want to prejudge the matter‚ this should serve as a warning to all departmental officials to do their work with honesty and integrity. In fact‚ these kind of allegations would not even arise if officials do their jobs‚ which they get paid for‚ diligently and conscientiously‚” the National Head of the Hawks Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza said.
“The Hawks are committed to fighting fraud and corruption and I have committed to the people of this country that I will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that government officials discharge their duties with utmost honesty. If we believe there is reason to be suspicious‚ we will not hesitate to arrest those responsible and let the law take its course‚” said Ntlemeza.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos