By Sihle Mavuso
A statement by Mbuso Ngcobo, the former head of the eThekwini city integrity and investigations unit, has exposed how city manager Musa Mbhele avoided a corruption investigation.
The investigation was meant to uncover how Mbhele paid for his mansion in Cowies Hill.
Ngcobo, who resigned in July 2023 because he feared for his safety, wrote the statement in May of that year, and the police in Hillcrest certified it.
The investigation started after a whistleblower claimed that an outdoor advertising company had a corrupt relationship with Mbhele and other municipal officials.
Mbhele was in charge of the development, planning, and environmental unit at the time. The contract with the company was first awarded in 2013 and was extended for another three years in 2016.
Ngcobo said the company’s director was asked to pay a R3-million bribe to Mbhele and another former official to secure the deal.
The money was allegedly sent to the former official’s account, who would transfer it to Mbhele.
Ngcobo’s statement said: “Around the time of the tender, Mr Mbhele tore down his house at 53 Birdhurst Road, Cowies Hill, and started building a new one. Investigations confirmed that Mr Mbhele owned the house.”
When questioned, Mbhele admitted receiving money from the former official but said it was a “loan” to cover unexpected building costs.
However, when asked to provide bank statements, Mbhele only submitted seven pages, which did not cover the important period between 2013 and 2016, slowing down the investigation.
“The investigation is limited because Mr [name redacted] and Mr Mbhele refused to provide all the needed financial records,” Ngcobo wrote.
eThekwini municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana defended Mbhele, saying he provided financial information to prove he used his money for the house.
“He wasn’t forced to share his private records. It’s rare for someone under investigation to cooperate like he did,” Sisilana said.
Pictured above: eThekwini city manager Musa Mbhele.
Source: Supplied
