Statement by Khathutshelo Rasilingwane MPL – DA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate:
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will be submitting new information in our possession to the South African Police Service (SAPS) to strengthen the criminal case it previously opened against former Ekurhuleni City Manager, Imogen Mashazi.
This follows the latest investigative revelations by News24 that Mashazi resided in a R60 million mansion in the Waterfall Equestrian Estate, previously owned by corruption-accused businessman Edwin Sodi.
The report states that the property carries an estimated monthly rental of R200 000, despite Mashazi earning approximately R3.1 million per annum as City Manager. We have also received information from a whistleblower alleging that Mashazi may be linked to other multi-million-rand properties in Gauteng.
These revelations raise questions about the source of funding for such luxury accommodation, whether these benefits were properly declared as required by law, and whether any undisclosed relationships existed between senior officials and individuals or entities that conducted business with the City of Ekurhuleni.
This may constitute a breach of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, which requires senior municipal officials to declare financial interests and benefits to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. We will request that SAPS investigate these possible contraventions as part of the ongoing criminal investigation.
We call on SAPS to fast-track its investigation so that, should wrongdoing be established, every individual responsible is held fully accountable.
For an administration in Ekurhuleni that works for all, register to vote DA on 4 November in the Local Government Elections.
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