By Puisano news Reporter
A man masquerading as a municipal official is prowling unsuspecting liquor outlets conducting unauthorised inspections and demanding bribes in Zamdela, Sasolburg, in the Metsimaholo Local Municipality
The impersonator was apprehended at one of the outlets, popularly known as Mpinchi’s Tavern, but was allegedly released by the police later on, according to the Free State Liquor Traders Association.
The Metsimaholo Local Municipality dissociated itself from this impersonator and warned the public to be wary of charlatans like this, who prey on innocent members of the community.
Municipal Spokesperson Dr Gino Alberts said “We view this criminal acts in a very serious light and the municipality wishes to make it categorically clear that no official of the municipality is authorized to demand or accept money in exchange of preventing disconnection of services, such actions are unlawful, unethical and violates principles of clean governance and service delivery.
Alberts said they urge all residents to remain vigilant and if being approached by such individuals must report to the South African Police Service or contact the municipality directly to verify the authenticity of such communication.
The Free State Liquor Traders Association has expressed its unhappiness with the release of this alleged self-made municipal official.
“The suspect had already been exposed in a widely circulated video but shockingly, instead of facing the full might of the law, he was released on pretext that “a case must be opened first.”
“We wish to remind the public and SAPS that this is factually and legally incorrect. Section 40(1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 empowers the police to arrest without a warrant where there is a reasonable suspicion that a Schedule 1 offence, such as fraud or corruption, has been committed.
Impersonating a municipal official to solicit a bribe is a clear case of fraud. The release of this suspect is therefore a blatant dereliction of duty and undermines the rule of law” said Khulu Radebe President Free State Liquor Traders Association.
He added that his association has already formally written to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) at provincial level, Station Commander of Zamdela Police Station, and the Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo Local Municipality, to demand urgent accountability and corrective measures.
