AN INVESTIGATION into the chief executive of the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board has been launched, the provincial finance MEC said yesterday.

AN INVESTIGATION into the chief executive of the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board has been launched, the provincial finance MEC said yesterday.

The inquiry follows allegations made against the appointment and performance of gambling boss Mabutho Zwane and his relationship with Vukani, a company which manages payout machines, said finance MEC Mcebisi Jonas.

"As MEC in control of gambling in this province, I cannot allow rumours to ruin the image and management of the Eastern Cape," Jonas said.

"The Eastern Cape does not tolerate corruption and in an effort to ensure that trust in our government as an institution is maintained, I instructed the (Gambling and Betting) board to provide me with full details of the appointment of Zwane, his relationship with Vukani, his handling of matters relating to payments made by the board and other alleged irregularities."

He promised to "unravel all aspects of allegations" around Zwane, including those around his appointment.

"I will then decisively intervene according to the powers vested in my office and which is regulated by the relevant acts," Jonas said.

The MEC's actions follow a report in the Daily Dispatch last week of the alleged relationship between Zwane and Vukani. - Sapa