EASTERN CAPE - MUNICIPAL WORKER ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH COVID-19 RELIEF FUND FRAUD WORTH ALMOST R5 MILLION

A 48-year-old OR-Tambo Municipal, Whippery Services Manager Phumzile Johnson Gwadiso has appeared in Umtata Magistrates court following his arrest earlier this morning by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Crime Investigation team in connection with the Covid-19 Relief Fund tender fraud worth over R4.8 million.

His arrest follows that of a Director of Company- Phathilizwi Training Institute, Ms Pumza Poshee Gambula (48), who was arrested on 22 October 2020. 

The Hawks investigation conducted in partnership with the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), revealed that Gambula submitted fraudulent documents to various municipalities purporting that she conducted door to door awareness campaigns for the prevention and containment of covid-19 pandemic. 

The said campaign was allegedly conducted in rural communities of Port St Johns Local, King Sabatha Dalindyebo and Mhlonto local municipalities.

Further investigation has revealed that the arrested municipal manager worked in cahoots with Gambula. He allegedly signed-off invoices for payments confirming that the campaign took place, this enabled the payments to be processed to the supplier.

The accused, Gwadiso was subsequently granted R50 000 and the matter postponed to 25 January 2021.  Meanwhile, Gambula is expected back in court on 25 January 2021, she is out on a R 20 000-00 bail.

via - SAPS