eThekwini probes contractor staff after video surfaces

The municipality said it views the allegations in a serious light and condemns all acts of criminality. According to the municipality, the individuals seen in the video were reportedly deployed to carry out electricity repairs at the time of the incident. The city said the allegations were of particular concern given the nature of their duties.

Conduct of this nature would be wholly unacceptable and does not reflect the values, ethics and standards expected of those working on behalf of the City. The city warned that any deviation from assigned responsibilities to engage in unlawful behaviour would amount to a serious breach of trust. “If substantiated, any departure from assigned duties to engage in criminal conduct would represent a serious breach of public trust and would undermine the city’s commitment to professional service delivery,” it said.

An internal investigation is under way to establish the facts, with the municipality indicating it would co-operate with law enforcement if required. The municipality will cooperate fully with law enforcement should a criminal investigation be instituted, and appropriate action will be taken against any individual found to have engaged in unlawful or unethical conduct. The city reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct.