The Makhado Municipality has dismissed a clerical assistant for allegedly committing fraud at its testing station in Vuwani. Mr Phineas Muila (38) was relieved of his duties last Friday. He allegedly stole money amounting to R114 000 from the municipality.

According to a source, Muila has been under investigation since March this year. He was then removed from the traffic station and shifted to the municipality´s regional offices in Vuwani while the investigations were continuing. Muila´s disciplinary hearing started in September.

Municipal spokesperson Mr Louis Bobodi confirmed on Tuesday that Muila was dismissed, following the disciplinary hearing and thorough investigations in this regard. He said the municipality had already instituted a civil claim against Muila.

According to Bobodi, the municipality is currently in the process to recover taxpayers´ money. He said that the dismissal would send a strong message to all municipal officials who might be thinking of involving themselves in fraudulent activities.

"The municipality will never leave a stone unturned in trying to ensure that there is proper administration of funds. We are committed to taking service to the people and will never sit and look on while people continue to abuse taxpayers´ money," emphasized Bobodi.

He said employees who experienced problems should consult their employment assistance programme offices.