A KwaZulu-Natal municipal employee has been jailed for an effective 10 years in jail for soliciting bribes in tender procurements. 

Nhlakanipho Wiseman Dlamini, employed as an acting fleet manager at the Msunduzi Municipality, was found guilty on two counts of corruption (namely, Procuring of tenders and Corrupt Activities Relating to Public Officials).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Dlamini was sentenced in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court this week.

He committed the offences between November 2019 and January 2020.

Explaining the merits of the case, NPA spokesperson Natasha Kara said a company named EWCop was contracted to supply and maintain vehicle tracking devices for the municipal vehicles.

“During 2018, EWCop’s contract with the Municipality ended, and the contract was subsequently extended on a month-to-month basis pending the outcome of the award for a new tender.

“Dlamini then approached EWCop and solicited their offer to secure the pending tender in favour of EWCop.

“Dlamini further solicited R100,000 from EWCop to ensure that the outstanding payments in respect of the month-to-month contract were paid to EWCop.”

Speaking about his arrest, the NPA said a trap was set up in section 252 A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, and Dlamini was arrested upon receiving the ‘trap’ money.

“This evidence of the Section 252A trap and the related audio recordings formed part of the state’s case, presented by Adv. Reenai Ramouthar.”

In welcoming the sentence, the NPA said: “Together with our partners in the Justice Cluster, we will ensure that corrupt officials are brought to book. Rooting out corruption remains an organisational priority.”

IOL News 

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