Report fraud and corruption to curb theft of municipal infrastructure
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Date: 2025-07-08 13:15:26

Report fraud and corruption to curb theft of municipal infrastructure

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
8 JULY 2025
 
REPORT FRAUD AND CORRUPTION TO CURB THEFT OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE 
 
EThekwini Municipality continues to clamp down on employees who steal municipal resources. This after two men were arrested for diesel theft in Sawpits, uMbumbulu area, ward 96.  
 
Investigators were in the area after reports that several truck drivers were spotted off loading diesel.  The Director of City Integrity and Investigations Directorate, Jimmy Ngcobo, described the employees as being on a mission to bankrupt the municipality. A criminal case of diesel theft was opened at the uMbumbulu South African Police Service and suspects have appeared in court. 
 
“The culprits were found in a private house offloading diesel. It is clear that they have been frequenting this private house. There were about 9,25 litre containers full of diesel and were confiscated and handed over to police for evidence,” said Ngcobo. 
 
“The diesel is resold for R400 per container to a local truck owner. Culprits offered a R50 000 bribe, which was turned down,” Ngcobo said. 
 
Ngcobo added that the two men were identified as a water tanker driver and a ward committee member.  He commended the community for reporting such acts, saying the investigations and arrests would have not been a success. 
 
“We are dealing with fraud and corruption activities, and we are in pursuit of other culprits. This is misuse of municipal resources,” said Ngcobo. 
 
The same culprits have been a subject of investigations and they have been followed on a few occasions for selling water from water tankers. 
 
The public can report fraud and corruption by calling 0800 20 20 20 or send an email to ombuds@durban.gov.za
 
ENDS
 
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.