The Speaker of Council, Councillor Colleen Makhubele, wishes to inform the members of the media and public that following her press statement and briefing last week, she has received a written confirmation that Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC has been appointed to conduct the required legal assessment, produce an opinion and preside over the investigation on various matters relating to Group Forensic and Investigations Services (“GFIS”).
Given her reputation and demand for her services, we are pleased that she has accommodated our urgent brief. The decision to appoint the services of an SC follows from various resolutions that were approved by the Council regarding alleged acts of improper and unlawful conduct that were recorded in the report of 22 February 2023, and recently in the report of Executive Mayor of 21 June 2023.
The said reports and resolutions marked a profound step in addressing the irregularities that were reported to the previous administration, which were concealed from Council.
To avoid dealing with this in piecemeal fashion, it is anticipated that the investigation by the SC will include the allegations and supporting evidence in the concealed reports.
“In my capacity as the Head of Council, I wish to express my gratitude to the Executive Mayor, City Manager and management of GFIS who acted with urgency in reporting to the Council the abuse of the City’s investigation services for political expediency. With that said, I wish to plead with all the affected parties to cooperate with the investigation, and other interested parties to allow the investigation to proceed undisturbed,” concludes Councillor Makhubele.
Finally, consultations with the SC and her legal team are underway, and further developments in this regard will be communicated in due course.
INFO SUPPLIED.
