KEY POINTS
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Botes corruption scandal linked to R18 million in losses.
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DA wants Hawks to prosecute Botes corruption scandal.
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SIU uncovers contract fraud in Botes corruption scandal.
Due to allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption, the Democratic Alliance has filed a criminal complaint against Helen Botes, the acting chief operating officer for Johannesburg.
DA opens criminal case in Helen Botes corruption scandal
Botes is explicitly blamed by party officials for over R18 million in unnecessary and wasteful spending linked to contract violations.
At the heart of the developing dispute is a 2021 contract that was given to the Johannesburg Property Company to supply sanitation services.
After a thorough examination, the Special Investigating Unit connected Botes to incorrect contract allocations at the JPC and questionable procurement practices.
Botes still holds one of the most influential executive posts in Johannesburg, with significant oversight and influence, despite persistent and grave accusations.
Botes and four former JPC colleagues conspired to falsify quotes submitted by many service suppliers in 2021, the SIU found.
Allegedly, this procurement process manipulation led to needless expenses and a loss of more than R18 million in city public monies.
Botes was first suspended by JPC over the course of the investigation, but she was eventually reinstated and elevated to the position of Chief Operating Officer for the city.
The goal of the criminal case, according to Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, chairwoman of the DA Johannesburg Caucus, is to hold the highest level of city government accountable.
Usindiso fire probe also points to Botes corruption scandal
She said the DA has formally asked the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks to take over and expedite the probe.
Residents of Johannesburg are entitled to truthful information and genuine accountability. Kayser-Echeozonjoku stated, “This is about principle, not politics.”
In light of deteriorating service delivery and growing worries about corruption, she emphasized that leadership transparency is still crucial to rebuilding public confidence.
According to Ewn, Botes was listed by the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry in its report on authorities implicated in the Usindiso building fire, along with allegations of corruption.
Botes was one of the people the commission stated needed to be held accountable for the fatal fire disaster, which exposed structural flaws in Johannesburg’s municipal governance.
The criminal complaint adds mounting pressure on the city’s administration to clean up executive leadership and demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance.
