/ 21 December 2007

Shady deals uncovered in premier’s office

An internal forensic audit at the offices of KwaZulu-Natal Premier S’bu Ndebele has revealed that some of his employees were involved in fraud and corruption, the premier’s spokesperson said on Friday.

In a statement, Logan Maistry said a service-provider employee had been working ”in cahoots with employees” from Ndebele’s office to make illegal and unauthorised payments to the provider.

Ndebele initiated the forensic audit a few months ago.

The premier stressed that his office is ”firmly committed to act harshly” against all forms of corruption.

”Therefore, any public servant or member of the public who is found guilty of any form of fraud and corruption will face the full might of the law,” said Ndebele.

He urged employees and members of the public to report information that could assist in the investigation.

”Together we can defeat fraud and corruption, and ensure that much-needed service delivery reaches the citizens of our province,” he said. — Sapa