DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — The eThekwini Municipality has firmly rejected widespread reports alleging the irregular appointments of 590 Durban Metro Police officers, clarifying that a comprehensive 2019 forensic investigation flagged only four such cases.
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality spokespersons emphasized that the widely cited figure of 590 was an erroneous interpretation of the findings, not a factual conclusion. To ensure clean governance and address public complaints, the city had commissioned Nexus, a well-known and highly experienced forensic company based in Johannesburg. The resulting report, signed in 2019, was recently misinterpreted to suggest hundreds of officers were hired irregularly. City representatives corrected the record, stating that the members in question were appointed through regular processes, with only four officers ever flagged in the document.
Addressing more recent allegations of a “jobs-for-cash” scheme, the city stated that the latest Ethics and Anti-Corruption Unit (ECU) report does not support claims that 20 million rand changed hands. However, the report did record payments totaling 420,000 rand to a single individual. Consequently, disciplinary action has been recommended against four officials who allegedly failed to provide affidavits to investigators.
City officials stressed that the municipality takes nefarious recruitment activities seriously. Where wrongdoing was identified, dismissals were swiftly effected within the department. Specifically, human resources officers found complicit in irregular activities were charged and dismissed. The municipality maintained that there is no evidence of internal police officers receiving bribes in connection with these recruitment processes.
Despite these assurances, the latest forensic report has not been made public, prompting criticism from political opposition parties. Critics argue that withholding the document raises questions about whether the city has fully disclosed the extent of the allegations and its response. Opposition voices expressed that a public release by the city manager would inspire public confidence and demonstrate transparency in the fight against corruption.
The eThekwini Municipality continues to maintain that municipal jobs are not for sale, issuing a stern warning to job seekers against paying anyone who promises employment. Internal disciplinary processes remain ongoing, while a separate police investigation will determine whether any criminal offenses were committed.
