Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Dr Zweli Mkhize has condemned attacks and acts of intimidation on staff of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).
According to the Minister, staff members who have been deployed in municipalities to undertake audits of financial statements and performance information are being intimidated.
“I am particularly urging all municipalities to fully cooperate with and support the staff of the Auditor-General. Municipalities are at the centre of the economic revival being championed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and as such, they need to show prudence in how they spend public finances,” Mkhize said in a statement on Wednesday.
Cogta said an official that is part of the auditing team in Emfuleni was shot and wounded recently.
“The assailant entered the room at a bed and breakfast accommodation where they were staying and shot the auditor and stole the laptop computer. In other incidents, officials were threatened in Msunduzi and eThekwini municipalities earlier this year,” the department said.
The Minister said it is unacceptable that AGSA staff are being attacked and intimidated when carrying out their duties.
“All structures and spheres of government must provide full support and cooperation to the Office of the AGSA,” Mkhize said.
The Minister has also urged law enforcement agencies to follow up on the reported incidents and ensure that the perpetrators are dealt with by the criminal justice system. – SAnews.gov.za
