Chris Matlala, a former Project Administrator at the Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing has been sentenced in the Krugersdorp Magistrate court to four years in prison on charges of corruption.
Matlala was arrested in 2009 by the members of the West Rand Organised Crime for soliciting a bribe of R5 000 from a community member. He phoned the complainant requesting a meeting in his office, where he informed the beneficiary that his name does not appear in the system. He promised the beneficiary that he can sort out the problem for a fee.
In response to Matlala’s sentence, Local Government and Housing HOD Mongezi Mnyani said this should send a stern warning to those who find themselves at the wrong side of the law that they are not going to get any protection.
“We are serious in dealing with corruption within the department. We want to keep the integrity of the department intact. If we don’t deal with corrupt officials we are sending a wrong message to the general public that the quickest way to get your RDP is when you pay a bribe,” said Mnyani.
Mnyani said it is imperative to deal with the people who drag the department’s name through the mud. “We are encouraged to do more with such corrupt elements when the justice system takes its course without any compromise. The fact that four officials have been sentenced in the current year demonstrates our commitment to rid our system of such people,” said Mnyani.
He said in order for them to get more people to stop their unscrupulous tendencies, the public needs to work together with the department. “We are always ready to listen to those come forward with information that will help us in our quest to deal with corruption. When people are being made pay for RDP homes, they must report those people immediately,” said Mnyani.
Mr Mongezi Mnyani also applauded his Department’s Anti-Fraud and Corruption Unit for working tirelessly to bring such culprits to book.
For further information:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail: Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
