The Gauteng police have announced the commencement of an investigation into serious corruption allegations surrounding Dr Imogen Mashazi, the former city manager of Ekurhuleni.
Image: OUPA MOKOENA Independent Newspapers
Gauteng police have confirmed they have started a probe into former Ekurhuleni city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi regarding tender irregularities linked to a lavish R3.5-million private jet trip to London in 2022.
The DA on Monday initiated corruption charges against Mashazi.
According to media reports, Mashazi undertook a R3.5 million sponsored trip paid for by various companies that profited from municipal tenders awarded by the City of Ekurhuleni during her tenure as city manager.
Speaking outside the Germiston police station, the DA’s mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, said they had decided to open a case to ensure 'accountability for those complicit in corruption'.
"We are confident that the police will be able to successfully investigate the matter, and should there be any wrongdoing that is found after the investigation, we are saying those responsible must be held accountable. They must be put behind bars where they belong because when they steal from the city, the 4.2 million residents feel the pinch due to the lack of service delivery," she stated.
Gauteng police launch an investigation into Dr Imogen Mashazi, the former Ekurhuleni city manager, following DA allegations linking her to tender irregularities and a lavish private jet trip to London.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
The move comes months after Mashazi testified before the Madlanga Commission, where she responded to the allegations against her after she was accused by senior officials of corruption, abuse of power, and deep-rooted misconduct within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
During the inquiry, Mashazi faced accusations of sheltering suspended EMPD acting chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, from disciplinary action. The Commission has since referred Mashazi and various current and former metro and EMPD officials for further criminal investigations based on emerging testimony.
Rasilingwane underscored the gravity of corruption in Ekurhuleni, insisting it transcends mere political rhetoric and must be confronted head-on to restore proper service delivery
"The issue of corruption and criminal activities within the City of Ekurhuleni, a city that has become a crime scene where people have been killed for speaking up, cannot be seen as a political or election campaign. This is a sad reality that we face as residents of Ekurhuleni," she stated.
Mashazi did not respond to a request for comment.
However, Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said: "While no arrests have been made yet, I can confirm that a case of corruption has been opened against the said official."
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