State graft cases pile up

Most corruption cases reported in the Eastern Cape relate to fraud at government departments and involve fake qualifications, RDP housing fraud, tender irregularities and fraudulent subsistence and travel (S&T) claims.

This was revealed by the provincial anti-corruption committee to the portfolio committee on the office of the premier (OTP) in the provincial legislature in Bhisho yesterday.

Other common cases reported to the anti-corruption body include irregular procurement, appointments, misuse of state resources, theft, bribery and unethical behaviour and abuse of power.

At the moment, 150 cases are before the corruption fighting unit formally known as the directorate on anti-corruption and security management with the primary objective to strengthen accountability in governance in the province.

Of the 150 cases, 40 involve the Fikile Xasa-led department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta).

Only eight of the Cogta cases have been finalised while 32 are still pending and relate to municipal officials involved in RDP fraud and tender irregularities at municipalities.

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