Statement by City Manager, Dr Michael Sutcliffe

Following media reports regarding an investigation by the Hawks (see Sunday Times report here), I wish to state the following:

I have noted the media reports and consider the insinuations made most defamatory of myself and senior officials of the municipality. In this regard we reserve our rights to take action against such statements linking us to acts of corruption or fraud;

May I add that we have nothing to hide and we will fully cooperate with any investigation being conducted by lawful agencies;

As of today my office has never been contacted by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) regarding any investigation they are conducting and which may require my assistance. I have written to the SIU to reinforce the fact that we are willing to assist in any probe and also to confirm if what so-called "sources" are saying is true;

As the City's senior management we are committed to root out any and all fraud and corruption that may exist in the Municipality.

Statement issued by the eThekwini Municipality's Communications Unit, March 7 2011

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