The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize has strongly condemned attacks and acts of intimidation on staff of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) deployed in municipalities to undertake audits of financial statements and performance information.
The most recent attack took place in Emfuleni where an official who is part of the team auditing the municipality was shot and wounded. The assailant entered the room at a bed and breakfast accommodation where they were staying and shot the auditor and stole the laptop computer. In other incidents, officials were threatened in Msunduzi and EThekwini municipalities earlier this year.
Minister Mkhize strongly condemns these attacks and acts of intimidation on auditing staff who are doing a job necessary to safeguarding the expenditure of public funds.
“It is totally unacceptable that AGSA staff are being attacked and intimidated when carrying out their duties. All structures and spheres of government must provide full support and cooperation to the Office of the AGSA.
“I am particularly urging all municipalities to fully cooperate with and support the staff of the Auditor-General. Municipalities are at the centre of the economic revival being championed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and as such, they need to show prudence in how they spend public finances. This is what the office of the AG is busy with,” said Minister Mkhize.
The Minister has also urged the law enforcement agencies to follow up on the reported incidents and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book./Ends
Enquiries:
Musa Zondi
Cell: 073 800 6449
