GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell has welcomed the most recent actions taken by the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) in the Western Cape.
Minister Bredell has thanked the Hawks for assisting the provincial government in tackling alleged corruption in certain municipalities in the province.
“Most recently the Hawks under brigadier Neil Olivier, stepped in at George municipalities and started an investigation into alleged irregularities there. We hope the investigation will move with speed to bring the matter to a close swiftly so that service delivery can continue unhindered.”
This, after the DA's Regional Executive Committee resolved to request the appropriate body to suspend George executive mayor Melvin Naik from the party and party related activities pending the outcome of the investigation by the Hawks.
"We take note that the Mayor took leave from his council duties and are aware that he is innocent until proven guilty, but it is our responsibility to act politically and protect the brand and integrity of the party under the circumstances," Jaco Londt MP and DA Western Cape, East Region Chairperson said in a statement.
Bredell says investigations by the Hawks in Oudtshoorn and Kannaland municipalities have also made a huge difference in those two municipalities, although the matter still continues.
“The wheels of justice grind slowly but they grind fine and my department and I want to state unequivocally that we will be there every step of the way assisting the Hawks and the SAPS, in general, to root out corruption wherever it rears its ugly head. The Minister of Police, Bheki Cele can count on our full support,” Bredell said.
“We want to urge officials and public representatives in all our municipalities to remember their duties and responsibilities. And we want to urge the public to report any wrongdoing or suspected wrongdoing with the knowledge it will be acted upon.”
At this stage requests for updates or more information on the ongoing investigations must be sent to the Hawks.
Read a related article: Hawks swoop on George Municipality
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