R16 Million fraud scandal rocks Emfuleni Municipality: Ghost vehicles exposed

Emfuleni Local Municipality is under investigation after documents revealed that trucks and bakkies paid for through a National Treasury contract were allegedly never delivered, while graders purchased for municipal work broke down soon after arrival. How did more than R16 million in taxpayers’ money vanish into vehicles that never existed or broke down almost immediately? TheEmfuleni Local Municipalityis under investigation after trucks, graders and bakkies were allegedly purchased through Maboela Forestry and Construction via the RT57-2019 National Treasury contract, but many were never delivered or quickly became unusable.

The RT57-2019 contract is a National Treasury panel of approved suppliers intended to ensure transparency and fair pricing in government procurement. However, documents reviewed byThe Starsuggest the rules may have been flouted. Investigators allege that six UD trucks and eight Toyota Hilux bakkies paid for by the municipality were never delivered.

Three SANY SMG200-3 graders that were supplied reportedly became inoperable shortly after delivery due to recurring mechanical failures. According to documents seen byThe Star, the graders were supplied with manuals written only in Mandarin, leaving municipal operators unable to properly operate or maintain the equipment. The documents also flag several irregularities in the procurement process, including duplicate engine numbers, invoices stamped and signed as proof of delivery despite vehicles not being received, and vehicles registered to third parties instead of the municipality.

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Municipal employees are also allegedly at the centre of the irregularities. Investigators claim invoices were signed off certifying delivery of vehicles that had not been received. The fleet manager reportedly signed invoices confirming delivery, while the acting assistant fleet manager signed as the receiving official despite the vehicles not being present.

The acting assistant fleet manager allegedly told investigators he had been pressured to sign the documents, claiming he was told it was necessary for suppliers to “release” the vehicles. Documents further allege that Maboela’s director supplied questionable documents referred to as “Birth Certificates” to create the impression that the vehicles had been delivered.

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