21/08/2017: Former City employee charged with 94 counts of fraud
Former City’s employee, Mr. Nelson Damari, is facing 94 counts of fraud. This comes after he defrauded the City by irregularly issuing Export Certificates and allegedly pocketed about R100 000.
Damari, a former Operations Manager at the City’s Environmental Health Department, appeared at the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court last week and was granted bail of R3000. The matter was postponed to the 25th August 2017.
The first allegation was reported in 2012 by Davita Trading (PTY) LTD, a subsidiary of Tiger Brands. It is alleged that Damari issued 50 Export Certificates to Davita Trading (PTY) LTD, but only charged them for 11 certificates and demanded that they be paid for in cash or cash cheque.
The investigation has revealed that Damari has been defrauding the City since November 2009. It is alleged that he approached a number of Export and Import Companies and offered to assist them with obtaining the certificates quicker. In his capacity, Damari was not supposed to issue Export and Import Certificates.
The first four irregular certificates were issued in 2009 for an amount of R2860.
A total of 94 certificates were irregularly issued by Damari. All monies relating to the certificates were paid into Damari’s personal bank account.
The City doesn’t issue invoices for Export Certificates. An Exporter first pays at the City’s Revenue Paypoints and to the City’s Bank Account. Upon payment the Exporter will be issued with a receipt which should be kept as proof of payment. An Environmental Health Officer conducting a site inspection would then ask for proof of payment and if the premises complies with the Health Act and the Guidelines, a certificate will then be issued.
It has also been established that the Export Certificates that were irregularly and fraudulently issued to one company were on the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development letterhead. The Export Certificates were also accompanied by Veterinary Health Attestations that were allegedly completed and stamped by Damari with a fraudulent stamp, which described him as Dr MN Damari.
When an investigation into the allegations commenced in 2012, Damari resigned as an employee of the City.
It is astonishing that the investigation into this serious matter was allowed to persist for so long.
This is yet another example of how previous administrations dealt with corruption: by sweeping it under the carpet.
This situation is just another example of how this administration will make every effort to pursue the prosecution of corrupt individuals and recoup money owed to the City’s residents.
That is why we will continue to vigorously pursue every allegation of corruption.
Corruption has no place in this administration and we will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with institutions such as the Hawks, SAPS and all other institutions within the criminal justice system to ensure that the residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.
I would also like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For further information contact,
Lucky Sindane
Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management
Group Forensic and Investigation Services
Cell: 065 865 0696
Email: LuckySi@joburg.org.za
or
Luyanda Mfeka
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
Tel: 011 407 6727
076 171 5978
