The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) implores the Tshwane Metro Council to urgently establish an internal forensic investigation unit.
The Metro currently spends, on average, R300 000 per investigation on a panel of private attorneys.
With approximately 1 500 forensic investigations still outstanding, this could easily cost the Metro a further R450 million.
Many of the reports that this panel submits to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) are of poor quality and often appear to be copies of the findings of previous investigations.
Such outsourcing limits the Metro’s ability to effectively hold officials accountable, while delivering poor value for money.
Although existing legislation allows for internal investigations – except in complex or sensitive cases – almost all cases are still being outsourced.
The Freedom Front Plus proposes that an internal forensic unit should be established within the Group Audit and Risk Division. An independent selection panel should vet candidates prior to appointment.
Such a unit would significantly reduce costs, build internal expertise and capacity, and deliver faster results. Outsourcing should be reserved for exceptional cases only.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep promoting good governance, fiscal discipline and transparent accountability to ensure that taxpayers ultimately receive value for money.
