The Department of Roads and Transport is investigating alleged fraud and corruption on the use of petrol cards. The departmental fraud and corruption unit is working around the clock to get to the bottom of the unlawful activities taking place at g-Fleet Management, department's trading entity.
Earlier this year the vehicle finance company, Wesbank alerted the department of possible fraud using departmental petrol cards. The company noted that there were possible fraudulent activities involving eleven (11) cards. Another alert was received from the Presidential Hotline. On receiving the alerts, investigations were instituted.
A suspect has been arrested and is linked to a departmental contract employee responsible for applications of and receiving of new petrol cards. A total number of 10 cards have been used by the syndicate. It is expected that more arrests will follow.
The department is in the process of gathering information relating to how these cards landed in the hands of the “criminals”. The exact costs involved are yet to be determined but the current estimate is R812 656.45 for the period between January 2010 and 4 February 2011.
MEC Ismail Vadi and g-FleeT Management have condemned the acts of alleged fraud and corruption and promised that everything will be done to stamp out the problem.
Formerly known as Gauteng Government Motor Transport, g-FleeT Management was established in 2001. It provides leasing and fleet management services to the Gauteng Provincial Government and it is the largest government fleet operator in the country.
