The FF Plus welcomes the arrest of three former officials of the West Rand District Municipality in connection with controversial investments that the Municipality made in VBS Mutual Bank.
The Hawks arrested the former municipal manager, Moroashike David Mokoena, the former chief financial officer, Romeo Mohaudi, as well as the former manager of income and expenses and former acting municipal manager of the Merafong Local Municipality, Mzwandile Reginald Mkhize, on Monday.
They appeared in court yesterday (Tuesday) and were granted bail of R50 000 each.
The West Rand District Municipality invested R81 million and the Merafong Local Municipality (Carletonville, Fochville, Wedela) R50 million in VBS Bank.
According to the allegations against them, the three individuals invested funds in the bank in contravention of the provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act, which determines that funds may not be invested in mutual banks.
In addition, both of these municipalities are experiencing financial problems and are failing to perform their duties of providing effective service delivery to communities.
Mohaudi served as the financial manager of both municipalities when the unlawful investments were made in VBS.
Mkhize also served as the acting municipal manager of Merafong during the 2018/19 financial year.
The FF Plus is satisfied that the VBS scandal is finally coming to a head with various officials and former officials appearing before the court and the party believes that the court's rulings will be fair and will serve justice.
A strong message must be sent to those municipal officials who commit corruption and misappropriate tax money, i.e. such misdeeds will not go unpunished.