Suspended TMPD inspector's off-the-books financial dealings laid bare

The suspended Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) inspector, Lebogang Phiri, has been taken to task over his off-the-books financial dealings with service providers contracted to the city.

On Thursday, the Madlanga Commission heard testimony of how Phiri received money and also made payments to security companies currently in business with the municipality.

Phiri, who works in the municipality’s roads policing division, is primarily responsible for the deployment of private security guards to municipal sites.

Phiri’s bank statements show several transactions between him and security companies currently contracted to the City of Tshwane Metro Municipality.

In May last year, Phiri received R150,000 from an employee at Gubis 85 Solutions.

Phiri said this was a loan from an old friend that he repaid in cash.

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Another transaction that also raised eyebrows was a R1,5 million payment from Phiri to Ramalepe Security Services.

Phiri said this was a loan from him to old friends who owned the company.

Asked co-commissioner Sandile Khumalo: “These loan agreements, were they in writing?”

Phiri: “I don’t know if this will sit well with the commission.”

Khumalo: “Just give us the honest answer, don’t worry about how it sits with us.”

Phiri: “No, it was not in writing.”

“So, you just shook hands and talked, and you gave them a million rand?” asked Khumalo.

Replied Phiri: “I am from Mamelodi. I don’t need to sign a document to make a business. My word is my word.”

He has denied that his financial transactions with the municipality’s service providers constitute a conflict of interest.