ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI ACTS DECISIVELY ON METRO POLICE RECRUITMENT ALLEGATIONS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO INTEGRITY
The City Manager of eThekwini Municipality, Mr Musa Mbhele, today convened a media briefing to update members of the media and the public on the steps taken by the City to address allegations of irregular appointments within the Metro Police.
The City Manager confirmed the existence of two reports compiled by the City's Integrity and Investigations Directorate, which investigated allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of Metro Police officers.
The Nexus Report, concluded in 2020, investigated two recruitment intakes conducted in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years. The report flagged the appointment of four officers as having been made irregularly.
Following legal processes pursued by the City, the matter was resolved and the officers' appointments were upheld.
The second report, the Isiqu Report, investigated allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of officers during the 2023/24 financial year. The report recommended disciplinary steps against four officials: an Authorised Officer, two Human Capital officials and a Business Support employee.
The report further reveals that R420 000 allegedly exchanged hands, with members of the public said to have been scammed by the one of the suspended employees after being promised jobs that did not materialise.
A criminal case has since been opened with the South African Police Service (CAS 521/1/2026).
Speaking during the briefing, the City Manager assured residents of the City's commitment to transparency and good governance in how it conducts its recruitment processes. "If something looks like fraud and smells like fraud we activate all law enforcement agencies to deal with it," said City Manager Mr Musa Mbhele.
The Commissioner of the Metro Police, Commissioner Sbonelo Mchunu, urged members of the public to be wary of scammers who pose as officials and solicit bribes on the false promise of securing them jobs within the Metro Police.
The Commissioner cited numerous cases in which members of the public had paid bribes to scammers promising them employment that does not exist.
Members of the public were further warned about anonymous social media users spreading false information intended to disparage the City's reputation through unsubstantiated claims of millions of rand being paid for jobs.
The City confirmed that no such claims are reflected in either report, and reiterated that where wrongdoing has been identified, it has acted without fear or favour.
Residents are reminded that jobs within the City are never for sale, and are urged to report suspected corruption to the Integrity and Investigations Directorate our toll free Hotline : 0800 20 20 20.
ENDS
Issued by: eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
