Five employees of eThekwini Municipality have been suspended following an investigation into the misuse of municipal resources. The workers were caught using municipal equipment to lay asphalt tar at a private residence on Jabu Ndlovu Drive in Verulam.
The incident was reported to the City Integrity and Investigations Unit’s Forensic Investigating Team on February 17, after the employees were seen laying the tar at the location. It is alleged that a municipal truck was used to transport the asphalt, which is a violation of municipal regulations.
A Supervisor Driver was arrested at the scene, while the four other employees fled before authorities arrived. The Supervisor Driver appeared at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on February 18, where he was granted bail. The four men who fled are also under suspension.
Jimmy Ngcobo, the Head of the City Integrity and Investigations Unit, commended the whistleblower who reported the misconduct, calling their actions a firm stance against fraud and corruption. "We will not tolerate this behaviour in the workplace," Ngcobo said, adding that the employees had allegedly been visiting the private residence frequently to lay asphalt tar.
The municipality has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, corruption, and human rights violations. Ngcobo emphasized that violations of workplace principles would undermine the municipality’s operations. "Stealing is deliberate, and these employees knew what they were doing was against the law," he stated. "Such employees do not deserve to be working for the Municipality."
This arrest follows a similar incident in November 2024, where six municipal employees were arrested for the theft of asphalt tar in Inanda. They were caught transporting the tar without a job card to explain its intended use. These employees remain suspended pending further investigation.
Ngcobo stressed that all municipal employees must adhere to workplace rules and policies, and that managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring systems are in place to combat fraud and corruption.
The public is encouraged to report any incidents of fraud or corruption to the City Integrity and Investigations Unit at 0800 20 20 20, 031 311 4002, or via email at ombuds@durban.gov.za.