Former deputy mayor convicted over school uniform fraud

Former Cederberg deputy mayor Benjamin Zass has been convicted of fraud by the Bellville Commercial Crimes Court in connection with a R20,000 tender for the supply of school dresses to disadvantaged pupils.  Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that advocate Andre Botman successfully prosecuted Zass on charges of fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act, following a complaint by service provider Louisa Swartz. Swartz, the sole owner of RJ Swartz, a company listed on the Cederberg municipalitys supplier database, had tendered for the municipalitys "Back to School Project" by quoting R20,000 to supply 100 school dresses. On January 23, 2018, the municipality deposited the funds into her business account. Shortly after, Zass contacted her, informing her that the municipality would manage the project directly and instructing her to return the funds, less R500 for administrative costs. When Swartz requested official banking details for the repayment, Zass instead arranged to meet her outside a local grocery store to collect the cash. Swartz testified that she felt uneasy carrying such a large sum in a paper bag and was accompanied by her son, Sgt Rodney Swartz. Testimony from the municipalitys Chief Financial Officer and an accountant confirmed that councillors were prohibited from interfering with procurement processes. Zass claimed he acted on the instructions of municipal manager Henry Slimmert, but Slimmert denied this, testifying that his department had signed off on the invoice under the belief that goods were received, which was not the case. Botman presented evidence from seven witnesses, including Swartz, her son, Zasss former driver Collin Davids, Slimmert, accountant Johan Francois van der Westhuizen, CFO Michael Adrian Smit, and investigating officer Sgt Mokwena. The evidence showed that Zass had personally taken control of the project, bypassing proper procedures and abusing his position of trust. The court rejected Zasss defence and found him guilty. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29.The post Former deputy mayor convicted over school uniform fraud appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.