The ongoing probe into fraud allegations at Swellendam Municipality was this week again debated at the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, where MP David Bryant denied claims that the DA had targeted certain whistleblowers.
Bryant was responding to allegations made by ANC MPL Khalid Sayed, who stated that Leigh Johnson and Noel Goliath — both of whom had uncovered a web of tender fraud — were being victimised.
Johnson is employed in the private sector, while Goliath is a Supply Chain employee at Swellendam Municipality.
“It was claimed in this House, without evidence, that whistleblowers are being intimidated after exposing alleged tender fraud,” said Bryant.
“Protection for whistleblowers does not mean immunity from accountability, especially where there is evidence of wrongdoing.”
“A criminal case has been opened and disciplinary action is underway, and that’s not intimidation, Deputy Speaker — that is simply due process.”
Bryant further highlighted that the municipality has a fully compliant anti-corruption and fraud prevention policy by which whistleblowers are protected and not persecuted.
Goliath was placed on cautionary suspension on August 13 after a payment from a service provider was discovered in his bank account without any plausible explanation.
In the meantime, News62 has been reliably informed that this transaction is but the tip of the iceberg in a web of payments allegedly made to officials and politicians in no fewer than five other municipalities.
Hawks investigating tender fraud, corruption at traffic department
The alleged tender fraud brought to light by Johnson and Goliath is currently being investigated by the Hawks. This was confirmed by Swellendam Municipal Manager Anneleen Vorster.
A separate probe into corruption at the traffic department has also been launched and according to sources close to the investigation, it is only a matter of time before arrests are made.
The Swellendam Municipality has vowed to leave no stone unturned in rooting out criminal activity within its structures.
