uMhlathuze Water vows full cooperation with Hawks probe into fraud, corruption
Officials from uMhlathuze Water say they are fully cooperating with the
R37million Hawks probe into fraud and corruption.
The crime fighting unit arrested six government officials implicated in irregularities at the bulk water supplier on Monday.
"As uMhlatuze Water we note the arrests by the Hawks of certain individuals allegedly linked to ongoing investigations within the entity,” uMhlathuze Water's Siyabonga Maphumulo says.
“At this stage we would not like to comment in detail on any single aspect labelled by the Hawks against the arrested persons. So far to say that if called upon to do so by the relevant authorities, we will comply with such a directive.”
Investigators nabbed director-general in the KZN premier's office, Nonhlanhla Mkhize, a senior official at the water entity, and service providers.
Charges including money laundering, defeating the ends of justice and intimidation have been levelled against the group.
The Hawks first began probing claims of irregular service provider appointments at the uMhlathuze Water Board.
The chairperson who reported the malfeasance was allegedly threatened.
READ: DG in KZN premier's office arrested by Hawks
Meanwhile, the NFP's Canaan Mdletshe's called for a wider investigation into corruption at the supplier.
"We don't want to see the officials and cleaners in uMhlatuze being the only ones arrested. We want to see the big fish, we want to see corrupt politicians. If there is any politicians involved in corrupt activities we want to see them arrested becuase they are the ones who assist officials to steal the money."
