Ekurhuleni HR head withdraws fraud allegations against retired metro police deputy chief

Ekurhuleni Municipality’s suspended Head of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka, has withdrawn "fraud" allegations against retired Metro Police Deputy Chief Revo Spies.

This development follows an arbitration ruling that overturned Spies' suspension from the municipality.

In February last year, Gxasheka suspended Spies over allegations that he had unlawfully extended a contract for Syntell, a technology company responsible for managing the administration of traffic fines for the city.

In a statement previously submitted to the Madlanga Commission, Gxasheka asserted that Spies was "suspended for fraud-related matters" concerning the unlawful extension of a service provider's contract.

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However, arbitration proceedings uncovered evidence showing that the contract in question was actually extended by the city’s Bid Evaluation Committee and formally approved by the former City Manager, Imogen Mashazi.

When confronted with this information at the Commission, Gxasheka retracted her previous stance.

“We can correct that. I am withdrawing the fraud [allegation]. I don’t think it’s a fair word to anybody,” Gxasheka stated.

Despite the withdrawal of the specific fraud charge, Gxasheka maintained that she does not take personal responsibility for the arbitration outcome.

“Awards that are made are always subjected to review," she noted. "What is shocking in this matter is that it was concluded without my evidence, where I would’ve fully prepared and testified.”

The case adds another layer to the ongoing friction within the department.

Spies previously testified at the Madlanga Commission, claiming he was forced out of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department by individuals seeking to protect Julius Mkhwanazi, a Deputy Police Chief currently facing corruption allegations.