By Levy Masiteng
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has laid criminal charges against five senior City of Johannesburg officials on Wednesday, including the former Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) CEO Helen Botes, following allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) uncovered irregularities in procurement and financial management, resulting in unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure exceeding R18.3 million.
Although Botes, who served as JPC CEO for over 15 years, was implicated in financial misconduct leading to R18 million in wasteful expenditure and allegations of money laundering through property transactions, she has not been charged.
The Johannesburg Property Company oversees more than 32,000 properties valued at billions of rands.
The other officials implicated alongside Botes are Imraan Bhamjee, the former CFO of JPC; Fitzgerald Ramaboea, senior manager of supply chain management; Gowrie Sunker, general manager of special projects; and Nandisa Zondo, manager of supply chain management.
Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, said that the party has submitted a comprehensive dossier of evidence to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Today, we have submitted a comprehensive dossier of evidence to the South African Police Service — including the SIU proclamation, relevant Council reports, previous SIU findings, correspondence, and the City’s commissioned legal opinion. We have formally requested that this matter be escalated to the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for full investigation,” she said outside the Johannesburg Central Police Station.
“The SIU’s investigations uncovered shocking irregularities in procurement and financial management processes at JPC. It is evident from the lack of action on these findings, that the City itself and the ANC-EFF-PA-ActionSA Executive lack the will to act. This has forced the DA’s hand, as we cannot stand idle by while the public purse is ransacked.”
She added: “Instead of holding those implicated to account, the City commissioned a legal opinion that appears aimed at discrediting the SIU’s work, rather than implementing its recommendations. Despite the DA’s efforts through every available council avenue, we were blocked and prohibited from forcing accountability. We trust that the Justice system will hold those who betray the public accountable.”
Kayser-Echeozonjoku mentioned that concerns were raised about the officials claiming to be untouchable” due to political connections.
“Even more concerning, whistleblowers have come forward to inform us that the implicated officials have allegedly bragged that they are untouchable,” she said.
She added that the DA’s actions demonstrate their determination to hold those in power accountable and ensure transparency in government.
“Johannesburg residents deserve to know the full truth, and they deserve real accountability,” she said.
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