George mayor, Melvin Naik, has spoken about this week’s raid on the Municipality’s offices by the Hawks, saying that neither he nor anyone else, was “facing imminent arrest”.
He said that “all that is currently happening is that the SAPS is investigations allegations, as per their legal mandate”.
The Western Cape Department of Local Government said on Monday that the raid by the Hawks was requested by Local Government Minister, Anton Bredell.
His spokesperson, James-Brent Styan, said this followed an investigation into alleged corruption and fraud in the municipalities of Bitou and George.
He said the Western Cape government welcomed the Hawks investigation, acting on the Minister's request.
George Municipal Manager, Trevor Botha, said at the time that electronic equipment and a number of documents were removed by the Hawks.
In his statement on Wednesday, Naik said that as far they could ascertain, certain people, unhappy with the results of tenders which they did not even tender for, made allegations regarding these tenders to the Provincial Government of the Western Cape.
He said the Provincial Government referred the matter to SAPS for investigation some time ago.
“All that is currently happening, is that SAPS is gathering evidence, to see whether there is any substance to the allegations. I can assure you that I am completely innocent of any wrongdoing, and I am convinced that the current investigation will prove this, Naik said.
He also took aim at some opposition councillors who claimed at a media briefing on Wednesday that their pressure had been the source of the investigation.
According to the George Herald, the opposition welcomed the Hawks investigation as long overdue and also demanded the immediate suspension of Naik and Botha.
The publication reported online that PBI leader Virgil Gericke, was speaking at a media briefing attended by the ANC, ACDP, FF and AIC, where allegations were made that bribes had been paid to “two key individuals” in the Municipality for a contract awarded irregularly to a Mossel Bay contractor.
It was further alleged that the contract had been stopped when the heavily indebted contractor stopped paying the bribes.
The opposition parties said these allegations of bribery and corruption were brought to the attention of Bredell and DA Western Cape leader, Bonginkosi Madikizela, last year.
ANC councillors, Langa Langa, was quoted as saying that the raid “was only the tip of the iceberg” adding that people should be arrested for what had happened. Councillors from other parties also reportedly addressed the briefing.
In his statement, Naik said Gericke and FF Plus Councillor, Gert van Niekerk, “have already committed themselves to certain statements that are not protected by way of privilege, and that I have already referred the matter to my legal team for further action.”
“I am extremely surprised that Cllr Gericke has allowed himself to be used in this way by the Freedom Front Plus in the furtherance of their right-wing agenda,” Naik said.
He added that neither they nor any actions taken by them, was the source of this investigation as they allege, and “they are simply political opportunists”.
“I have always been and will stay committed to acting in the interests of ALL of the people of George, and not just an elect few. For very good reasons, the Constitution of this beautiful country of ours states that one is innocent until proven guilty,” Naik said.
“I will ask that everyone involved in this matter respects the process and let the investigation and other processes that might follow, run its course before trying me and other innocents involved in the court of public opinion.”
