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Yesterday afternoon, 4 December 2018, a City official working at the Revenue Department was arrested for soliciting a bribe of R70 000 from a Johannesburg resident. The police are looking for his accomplice who is also a City employee.
Photo by Hong Kong Lawyer
Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba revealed in a statement it is alleged that the suspects approached the resident whose account is in arrears and told him that they would write off his R550 000 debt provided that he pays them R70 000.
His debt was then reduced to R67 000 and he paid them R30 000. But he was not happy and demanded that his balance on the account should be zero and then he will pay them the balance of R40 000.
“The City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) team which has been monitoring the account approached the customer about the discrepancies on his account, he then confessed and led the team and police to the suspect,” the mayor said.
The suspect appeared in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 5 December 2018.
“I am deeply disappointed after learning that these corrupt activities are still continuing. I have instructed our anti-fraud and corruption unit to look into this matter. It is clear that consumers continue to collude with our officials in the fraudulent refunds scam,” Mashaba said.
“We have zero tolerance for corruption. That is why we will continue to vigorously pursue every allegation of corruption.”
Residents are encouraged to report any fraud and corruption activities through the City’s 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
