Phiwokuhle Mothemela
A computer disk with details of a forensic probe against three senior Amatola Water Board officials, communications between the board and Minister, and a file implicating 18 employees, were just some of the pieces of evidence presented in a criminal matter brought against the water board.
The Democratic Alliance's leader in the Bhisho Legislature, Vicky Knoetze, laid criminal charges at the Humewood police station in Gqeberha on Wednesday against the senior officials including CEO Siyabulela Koyo, senior staff, and several contractors.
"We have also called on SAPS to investigate the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, for allegedly obstructing justice by reversing Koyo’s dismissal despite her knowledge of the ongoing corruption investigation and for failing to report the alleged corruption, as she is duty-bound to do in terms of the PCCA Act," Knoetze said.
"It is time we are serious about corruption in the Eastern Cape and the only way we can show our seriousness, is by ensuring that these people who are stealing for the people are brought to book," she said.
According to Knoetze, Koyo's contract was terminated more than a month ago amid allegations of misconduct, however, she said Majodina instructed the board to reinstate him.
"This tells us that she (Majodina) is aware of the web of corruption at Amatola and did not attend to the matter as we expected."
She said the first forensic report findings were released in November last year while the two recent ones were released in June this year.
"This means that the previous minister was also aware of the corruption," Knoetze added.
The DA's affidavit and supporting documentation detail multiple alleged instances of corruption, including bribery and tender manipulation.
At least nine projects, 17 persons of interest, and 30 contractors have been implicated in the forensic reports.
"In addition, Koyo and Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo are alleged to have participated in secret meetings in Cape Town aimed at rigging tenders.
"Further allegations suggest that Koyo attempted to destroy critical evidence to obstruct a forensic investigation into his conduct," Knoetze said.
The spokesperson for the Amatola Water Board said she cannot comment on the matter as they have not received anything formal advising them of the charges that were laid by the DA.
