Probe into senior Cogta official

An investigation into fraud and bribery allegations against a senior Bhisho official is under way.

A whistleblower made the claims through the presidential hotline, and the hotline managers referred the case back to premier Phumulo Masualle’s office.

Premier’s office (OTP) spokeswoman Mandisa Titi confirmed that a case against corporate governance and tradition affairs (Cogta) official Nomakhaya Mguzulwa had been received and then forwarded to Cogta.

“The OTP only acts as a mediator and refers cases to specific departments to follow up on,” she said.

Cogta spokesman Mamkeli Ngam also confirmed that Mguzulwa, who is Cogta’s municipal support senior manager, is under investigation for allegedly claiming thousands of rands illegally for overtime and travelling costs.

Ngam said Mguzulwa is also facing charges that she allegedly received kickbacks from suppliers for departmental events.

Her job entails visiting municipalities across the province where needed as part of Cogta’s mandate to offer support.

Ngam said they received the report from OTP late last year.

“The investigations are still ongoing and once we realise that we have a strong case against her, we will charge her and a full disciplinary process will kick in,” Ngam said.

Contacted for comment, Mguzulwa said she was not aware that she was under investigation.

Public service provincial commissioner Singata Mafanya said the case was anonymously reported through the national Anti-Corruption Hotline in August 2014.

“When our national office received this call, they referred it to the national Cogta who in turn referred it, correctly, to the provincial Cogta for investigation.

“We have not received the departmental investigation report.