The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane has opened a criminal case against the city’s deputy mayor, Eugene Modise, following findings that he allegedly benefited unlawfully from a multimillion-rand municipal contract without declaring his interest.
The case was filed on Wednesday at the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria.
A report presented at the Tshwane council meeting last week revealed that Modise violated the municipal code of conduct by allegedly receiving financial benefits through Triotic Protection Services — a company with a substantial contract with the City of Tshwane. When questioned, Modise reportedly claimed he had sold his shares via an instalment sale agreement but did not provide any documents to prove the sale.
Outside the police station, DA leader in Tshwane, Cilliers Brink, accused Mayor Nasiphi Moya of failing to act against Modise.
“Moya has not fired him despite him holding the crucial finance portfolio, and the ANC’s coalition partners have voted to protect him from being removed as a councillor,” Brink said.
He added, “She has behaved almost as if she’s an honorary comrade in the way she has protected Modise. It is a shameful example, and we will actively seek to overturn it.”
Brink stated that the DA identified issues in the report which could constitute criminal offences, including possible fraud and violations of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA). To ensure the case is properly pursued, the party has enlisted AfriForum’s private prosecution unit.
“We know that so many of these complaints go missing or die a slow death if they aren’t actively followed up. There has to be accountability in this matter,” he said.
ActionSA, however, dismissed the charges laid by the DA, saying they misrepresented the findings.
“The DA is presenting allegations as if they are confirmed findings. This is misleading,” ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont said.
He emphasised that the forensic investigation did not uncover corruption but focused on Modise’s disclosure obligations under the Code of Conduct for Councillors.
“These issues must be dealt with through proper council processes, not political commentary that distorts the content of the report,” Beaumont added.
ActionSA also rejected claims that Mayor Moya is protecting Modise.
“ActionSA has no interest in shielding any individual from accountability. Our commitment is to ensure accountability through transparent, lawful and responsible mechanisms that uphold the integrity of council,” the party said.
