Suspended Tshwane Official Admits Ignoring Orders to Cancel Suspicious Contracts
Suspended Tshwane Asset Protection Security Unit director Tshukudu Malatji has confessed to defying a direct order to terminate questionable contracts awarded to private security companies. Malatji, who has been suspended with full pay and benefits since July, disclosed this during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating corruption within his unit.
The contracts, allegedly costing the city millions of rands, were reportedly awarded under Malatji’s leadership. Despite being instructed by his superior to cancel them, he chose to disregard the directive. The revelations have raised significant concerns about governance and accountability within the Tshwane municipality.
Malatji’s admission comes amid growing scrutiny of public sector corruption in South Africa. His case highlights the challenges faced in ensuring transparency and ethical conduct within government departments.
AKA and Tibz Murder Accused to Seek Bail
Meanwhile, brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, linked to the high-profile murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, are set to apply for bail in the Durban Magistrates Court. The pair fled to Eswatini following the crime but were later extradited back to South Africa.
The Ndimande brothers face multiple charges, including murder, as part of a broader case involving five other co-accused. Authorities have gathered substantial evidence, including cellphone records, CCTV footage, bank statements, and vehicle registrations, to link them to the assassinations.
The case has captured national attention, with fans of AKA and Tibz eagerly awaiting justice. Prosecutors have described the Ndimande brothers’ return as a critical step in solving the murder investigation. The trial is scheduled to begin in June.
COSATU Criticizes Whistleblower Bill Exclusions
In another development, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has voiced strong opposition to the exclusion of public servants from receiving whistleblower rewards under the newly proposed Protected Disclosure Bill.
The bill, introduced by Justice Minister Kubayi, aims to address gaps in existing whistleblower legislation. However, Deputy Minister Andries Nel clarified that public servants and others would not be eligible for upfront rewards. Instead, whistleblowers could receive up to 25% of monetary sanctions imposed on convicted employers.
COSATU argues that this exclusion undermines the bill’s effectiveness, as public servants, particularly junior staff, are often the most vulnerable to victimization. The union contends that offering incentives is essential to encourage individuals to come forward with evidence of wrongdoing.
The debate highlights the ongoing struggle to balance accountability and protection for whistleblowers in South Africa’s fight against corruption.
— Reported by Nexio News
