Bulilima RDC auditor under probe

THE disciplinary hearing of Bulilima Rural District Council’s internal auditor, Mr Israel Moyo, who is facing fraud and misconduct charges, failed to take off on Monday after he allegedly fell ill.

Mr Moyo was suspended on March 28, with his suspension expected to end on Friday.

He is facing charges of fraud and disobedience to a lawful order and an act of misconduct.

He was suspended after a three-member commission, set up by the local authority produced a damming report against him.

The commission was chaired by Ms Omnia Ndlovu from the Public Service Commission, with the district development coordinator, Mr Onesimo Zogara, and Ward Two councillor, Ambassador Mabhedi Ngulani as the other members.

Mr Moyo is alleged to have produced a doctor’s note, stating that he was unfit from April 11-19.

Bulilima RDC chairperson, Mr Lands Ndebele, confirmed the development, saying the local authority was seeking a legal opinion on how to proceed with the matter.

“I can confirm that Mr Moyo brought a doctor’s letter, which indicated that he is unfit for work. Unfortunately, the off sick days he was given cover both the date of hearing, which was supposed to be Monday up to the last day of his suspension period,” he said.

“We are seeking legal advice on the matter, so that we know how to proceed.”

Clr Ndebele said Mr Moyo had also taken the council to the labour officer before it was later withdrawn.

Contacted for comment, Mr Moyo confirmed that he was unwell.

“I am not well these days. I saw a doctor who advised me to take time off,” he said.

Mr Moyo was investigated over four allegations in which the commission found that he breached the law.

On the first charge, Mr Moyo is accused of increasing his six-month International Public Sector Accounting Standards (Ipsas) studies without council approval.

Mr Moyo is accused of manipulating the wording of the minutes as he was secretary to the Ipsas Committee, to increase the training period.

On the second charge, the commission was mandated to find out how Bekithemba Khumalo trading as Khame Enterprises’ debt was reduced from R132 000 to R48 000.

The board of inquiry concluded that Mr Moyo’s reduction of Mr Khumalo’s debt was unilateral, unauthorised and potentially fraudulent. Mr Moyo was also accused of abuse of office.

The third charge related to the construction of his shop without following council procedure.

On the fourth charge, Mr Moyo was found to have interfered with the council-appointed safari operator, which resulted in the council losing value for its money and causing friction with the operator. — @themkhust