JOHANNESBURG - Calls are growing inside the city of Ekurhuleni chambers for the suspension of the fraud and corruption- accused City Manager, Kagiso Lerutla.
Some councillors are also calling for speedy disciplinary action against suspended municipal officials who are still receiving their salaries.
As the City of Ekurhuleni debated the medium-term budget, the return to work of the fraud and corruption-accused Lerutla remained a thorny issue for some.
Xolani Khumalo, Ekurhuleni ActionSA councillor said the party had requested mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza to table a report on Lerutla's case, which did not happen.
READ | DA pushes for Lerutla's suspension after returning to office
"We requested the mayor to bring forward a report tabling reasons why he should be brought back, the status of his case, and how HR was handling the whole thing. But the report is not there. So we are still firm in saying he [Lerutla] must be placed on precautionary suspension.”
Phakamile Mbengashe, Ekurhuleni spokesperson said council has requested a legal opinion on how they should deal with the matter.
"You may remember that it is a personal matter. It was not related to misconduct on duty.”
Lerutla is facing fraud and corruption charges linked to allegations that he paid someone to impersonate him in court after a 2019 speeding arrest.
However, DA councillor Mike Du Toit argued that Lerutla was facing serious criminal charges and should be suspended.
Another bone of contention during the council sitting was the issue of suspended officials who continue to receive salaries, while sitting at home.
There are 17 officials currently on suspension with full pay in the City of Ekurhuleni, some of whom are senior managers. The officials are being paid over R8 million while disciplinary processes remain unresolved.
The council is set to discuss calls to suspend the city manager, and the issue of suspended officials on the City’s payroll, at its next sitting.
Report by Aviwe Mtila