Eight corrupt municipal employees arrested

Maputo, 18 May (AIM) – The Mayor of Maputo, Rasaque Manhique, on Friday confirmed that eight employees of the municipality have been detained on charges of corruption and falsification of documents.

Manhique gave no further details, but it is believed that several of the officials concerned work in the finance departments of the KaMavota and KaMaxakeni municipal districts, while others hold leadership positions at central level.

The eight were arrested by agents of the National Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic). In addition to corruption, they are accused of forging bank deposit slips, receipts and construction licences.

Speaking at a meeting with informal vendors, Manhique said the municipal government wants to end corrupt practices and ensure that municipal staff behave honestly.

“We are urging our officials to behave with decency, and we shall continue to fight against acts of corruption”, declared Manhique. “Our staff cannot continue to act in this way”.

Manhique has now completed his first 100 days in the post of Mayor. He recalled that, in his speech on taking office, he had promised to rid the municipal council of corruption, and install leaders who are people of integrity.

AIM has learnt that the eight arrests are the result of inspections by the municipality, which culminated in the discovery of fraudulent and corrupt schemes, particularly in the financial departments.

(AIM)

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