Today, ActionSA’s assistance provided to a business owner culminated in a successful sting operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). The intervention led to the arrests of three suspects who are in currently in custody at Sandton Police Station. They will appear in court on charges related to extortion, fraud and corruption to the value of R120 000.00.
The operation was led by MMC Candidate for Public Safety, Cllr Marcel Coutriers, and MMC Candidate for Health & Social Development, Cllr Sarah Wissler.
Through discussions with the resident, it emerged that three individuals had allegedly offered to resolve his municipal utility account through an unlawful arrangement. The business owner was allegedly extorted for approximately R120,000.00.
After making contact with JMPD and the DPCI, Cllr Wissler and Cllr Marcel Coutriers facilitated an investigation and operation with close cooperation of the business owner. MMC Candidate for Finance, Cllr Mpumi Edward, who also champions ActionSA Billing Desk, worked with them closely throughout the process.
“No resident or business owner should ever have to pay a bribe to receive a fair hearing on a municipal account. Nobody should be forced to negotiate with individuals claiming they can manipulate the City’s systems for personal gain. Municipal services must be administered lawfully, transparently and fairly,” said Cllr Coutriers.
ActionSA’s position is clear – the days of corrupt individuals abusing their influence for their own gratification has come to an end. We have a zero tolerance approach to corruption and will deal with it swiftly in the City’s administration.
We encourage anyone who encounters incidents of extortion, fraud or corruption involving municipal accounts to report the matter to the appropriate authorities. Residents should not agree to unlawful payments or assume that an individual offering to erase a debt or manipulate an account has legitimate authority to do so.
The assistance provided by ActionSA MMC Candidates reinforces ActionSA’s commitment to standing with residents and businesses who need help navigating City systems.
“Our responsibility is to the residents and businesses of Johannesburg. We will assist people who come to us for help, expose suspected wrongdoing through the proper channels, and insist that the law applies equally to everyone. Corruption cannot be allowed to become the price of doing business with the City,” Cllr Coutriers remarked.
ActionSA President and Joburg Mayoral Candidate, Herman Mashaba, commends the integral role of the collaboration between Cllr Coutriers, Cllr Wissler and Cllr Edward in this successful sting operation. They exemplify what ActionSA means when we talk about ethical leaders who do not compromise on bringing back law and order in the City of Johannesburg.
ActionSA Origins: Formed after Mashaba resigned from the DA.
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