Municipal official in court over ‘two salaries’ | Rhewal

(Archive photo)

A former director of the Moses Kotane municipality has been released on bail after she was arrested because she apparently held two government positions at the same time.

The case against Gabonewe Ridam Madikela (39) has been postponed until April 19 so that the case can be transferred to the specialized commercial crime court for trial. She was granted bail of R10 000.

She is facing six charges of fraud after she reportedly received salaries of more than half a million rand, said Henry Mamothame, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Madikela was arrested on Monday after she apparently worked simultaneously as director for local economic development at the Moses Kotane municipality and as a director at the department of water and sanitation.

Madikela’s contract with the municipality was due to expire on 30 June 2024 and according to Mamothame she received an annual salary of around R1.2 million.

“It is alleged that in March 2022 the accused applied for study leave for 30 March 2022 to 24 May 2022, with a confirmation letter from an institution for higher education.

“On 29 March 2022, she applied for 39 days of annual leave from 8 May 2022 to 27 June 2022, with the municipality granting her leave on both applications. Towards the end of the annual leave, she submitted sick notes from a private medical facility, which indicated that she was ill and hospitalized.”

Investigations by the Hawks revealed that during the period of her leave and alleged illness she was employed as director of the department of water and sanitation while still earning a salary from the municipality.

“The investigation found that the reasons given for her leave were false, including the supporting documents from the institution of higher education, as well as the medical certificates she provided as proof.”