Hawks to investigate Linda Mti; a great victory for the people of NMB

22 June 2016

I welcome the announcement that the Hawks have decided to investigate BOSASA and Linda Mti for corruption and fraud. The people of Nelson Mandela Bay deserve better than a convicted criminal as head of Safety and Security, and this decision by the Hawks is a victory for the people of the Bay.

After much obfuscation by the SIU and NPA, it is encouraging that the Hawks have now decided to pursue this investigation given the overwhelming evidence of corruption.

The DA has consistently fought the appointment of Linda Mti to high office in NMB since it was first proposed by Danny Jordaan, because we cannot allow the deployment of ANC cadres who are embroiled in fraud and corruption scandals to such critical positions.

The decision to investigate by the Hawks is a victory for the fight against corruption and confirms the DA's suspicion that Linda Mti is not fit to head up safety and security in our municipality.

Until the Hawks’ investigation is completed, Mti must be suspended from Nelson Mandela Bay. Mti cannot serve in high office, overseeing safety and security across the Metro, while under investigation for fraud and corruption amounting to billions of rand.

I have now written to Hawks Head, Lieutenant-General Berning Ntlemeza, requesting a timeline on this investigation.

The people of Nelson Mandela Bay deserve better than a head of Safety and Security who is irregularly and improperly appointed, who is a convicted criminal and who is now at the centre of a billion rand fraud and corruption investigation by the Hawks. And the people of NMB deserve better than a Mayor who appoints such individuals to high office.

The Hawks’ investigation must proceed without fear or favour – when it is complete it will reveal that the ANC has once again employed corruption into the Bay.

On 03 August the people of NMB have the chance to vote against the corruption, criminality and law breaking of the ANC and Danny Jordaan, by voting DA to bring the change we need to move forward again.

The DA can win NMB to deliver a clean, accountable and honest government that will act within the law and will appoint sound and capable candidates to high office.

The DA is ready to govern NMB.

Issued by Athol Trollip, DA Mayoral Candidate for Nelson Mandela Bay, 22 June 2016