Former strategic officer in the mayor's office Mncedisi Boma is in hot water after a report leaked to the media identified him as one of the leading characters in various cases of corruption while under the employ of Makana Municipality.
Former strategic officer in the mayor's office Mncedisi Boma is in hot water after a report leaked to the media identified him as one of the leading characters in various cases of corruption while under the employ of Makana Municipality.
On of the key issues in the damning Kabuso forensic audit report relate to Boma's alleged unauthorised possession of former municipal manager Pravine Naidoo's personnel file.
A number of people who had been in possession of or aware of the file's whereabouts at the time have allegedly provided affidavits stating that Boma was the last person to gain possession of the file.
The file came to Boma's possession in January last year at the time director of Technical Services and Infrastructure Thembinkosi Myalato was the acting municipal manager.
In the report Myalato confirmed that he was present when the another employee handed Naidoo's personnel file to Boma at his (Boma's) request. In January this year Grocott's Mail reported that a criminal charge was opened against Boma after a file containing critical information about Naidoo went missing from the municipal offices.
This came as more shocking claims emerged at the time, regarding Naidoo's alleged interference in his R3 million settlement with Makana Municipality. The file reportedly contains all Naidoo's employment information – crucial to investigations that form part of his disciplinary proceedings. Sources within the municipality hinted then that Boma was keeping the file at his house and this was confirmed by then acting municipal manager Mandisi Planga.
"I can confirm that the file is with him and he is refusing to give it to us," said Planga.
"He admitted to having it at home, and said he had taken it for 'safe-keeping'."
He said this refusal was part of the reason for Boma's current suspension.
"He did not get permission to take that file. That is municipal property," said Planga. The municipality then involved the police.
"We opened a criminal case last month (December 2013)," Planga said. Asked about the file at the time, Boma flatly denied having it.
"I don't know what you are talking about… that I don't know of," a clearly annoyed Boma told Grocott's Mail.
"My stance is that I refuse to comment about this in the media. If you want details, go to those who suspended me." Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender confirmed that the police were investigating a case of theft opened by Makana Municipality in December last year. In the much-talked-about report it's stated that Planga verbally requested the personnel file from Boma on 18 and 27 November 2013.
Boma, according to the report, initially accepted that the file was in his possession, but later denied being in possession of it. It's further stated that the investigating team requested a meeting with Boma to no avail.
Meanwhile the 90 days for Naidoo to appeal his dismissal has lapsed, despite the fact that he is still allegedly in possession of Council material, including a laptop and cellphone.
Attempts to get comment from Boma were not successful at the time of going to press.
