FORMER CITY OF JOBURG MANAGER GETS 7-YEAR SENTENCE FOR R1 MILLION FRAUD
Sipho Machuene Dikhoba (50), former Project Manager at the City of Johannesburg was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment by the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palmridge in a case involving the theft of diesel amounting to over R1 million. The court suspended 5 years from the 7-year sentence, on condition that he ensure his pension fund pays the amount of over R500 000 to the employer who is the complainant in the matter. The Department of Social Development’s finance department, identified irregularities in diesel invoices between 23 August 2019 and 22 October 2020, prompting an investigation by Constable Windsor Mboweni from the Hawks. Further investigation revealed multiple daily diesel purchases and found that the intended generators were non-functional. When confronted with evidence of his involvement in these fraudulent, the 50-year-old resigned as the Project Manager at the City of Johannesburg.
The accused pleaded guilty to a string of 224 counts of theft and cooperated with the State by testifying against his accomplice, who is currently on trial. During the closing arguments, Senior State Advocate, Valencia Dube urged the court to consider the severity of the offence and the extent of harm caused when determining the sentence. She emphasised that the diesel stolen by the accused was intended to power generators providing electricity to vulnerable households under the care of the Department of Social Development (DSD). Advocate Dube highlighted that this crime would have a disproportionately adverse effect on already disadvantaged members of society, exacerbating their plight. The court noted that the accused’s rise from a City of Johannesburg cleaner to manager was undone by greed, emphasising the severity of his dishonesty in a position of trust.
This case highlights the NPA’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability, particularly in cases involving public officials.
