Whistleblowers Commended For Reporting Fraud And Corruption
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Date: 2025-07-15 12:14:44

Whistleblowers Commended For Reporting Fraud And Corruption

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 JULY 2025
  
In another breakthrough towards clamping down on employees that steal Municipal resources, a truck driver from the Water Services Directorate was arrested on 11 July after being caught siphoning diesel at his house in Hammersdale.
 
Jimmy Ngcobo, the Director of City Integrity and Investigations Directorate, confirmed that the employee confessed to committing this illegal act for over three months. 
 
The suspect was apprehended by the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga while in possession of 21 containers, each holding 25 litres of diesel.
 
“This is a clear act of defiance against our relentless efforts to combat fraud and corruption. The suspect acknowledged awareness of other truck drivers who have also been caught siphoning diesel from Municipal water trucks,” said Ngcobo.
 
Earlier this month, two Municipal employees were apprehended for similar offenses. 
 
Additionally, in June, a man posing as an eThekwini employee was caught red-handed, fraudulently filling diesel at a petrol station where the City’s fleet refuel. 
 
In May, two employees were found offloading diesel at a private residence, and another was arrested in February following an anonymous tip from a community member regarding the same issue.
 
On the recent arrest, Ngcobo said the Municipality has incurred losses of approximately R900,000 over the past three months attributed to this employee's actions. 
 
Ngcobo emphasised that his Directorate is actively investigating various theft cases, including diesel, asphalt, car batteries, cement, procurement fraud, rims, and printing paper, among others.
 
He expressed gratitude for the community's vigilance in reporting fraudulent activities. “The Municipality has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy against fraud and corruption,” said Ngcobo. 
 
The public can report fraud and corruption by calling 0800 20 20 20 or send an email to ombuds@durban.gov.za
 
ENDS