Bulilima RDC sacks auditor over abuse of office

BULILIMA Rural District Council has dismissed its internal auditor, Mr Israel Moyo following recommendations from a disciplinary committee that was set to investigate him on charges of abuse of office.

Mr Moyo was initially suspended after a three-member committee set up by the local authority produced a damming report against him.

His termination, effective from May 21, was formalised by a resolution adopted during a full council meeting on July 9.

The decision was communicated in a letter signed by the council’s chief executive officer, Mr Billiat Mlauzi.

“Following the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, in its sitting on the 9th of July 2024, the council through resolution number C82 of minute number eight resolved to terminate your contract of employment with Bulilima Rural District Council with effect from the 21st of May 2024,” read the letter.

“Council further resolved that you surrender council property in your possession within seven days and vacate the council house in 30 days upon receipt of the letter informing you of the outcome of the disciplinary authority.”

Mr Moyo’s dismissal was prompted by charges of abuse of office, fraud, wilful disobedience to a lawful order, and misconduct.

Initially suspended after a three-member committee produced a damning report against him, his disciplinary hearing, which began on April 14, faced several delays due to his illness.

In the letter, Mr Mlauzi stated that Mr Moyo would be paid his terminal benefits and was also free to exercise his right to appeal if aggrieved with the council decision.

He was suspended after a three-member committee comprising Ms Omnia Ndlovu from the Public Service Commission, Mr Onesimo Zogara the District Development Co-ordinator and Ward 2 Councillor Ambassador Mabhedi Ngulani, recommended that action be taken against Mr Moyo.

Mr Moyo faced several charges, including fraud, wilful disobedience to a lawful order and misconduct.

He was accused of extending his International Public Sector Accounting Standards (Ipsas) studies without council approval by manipulating the minutes as secretary of the Ipsas Committee.

Additionally, he unilaterally reduced a businessman’s debt from R 132 000 to R 48 000, an action deemed unauthorised and potentially fraudulent.

Furthermore, he failed to follow council procedures in constructing his shop and interfered with a council-appointed safari operator, causing the local authority financial losses and friction with the operator. —@themkhust