By: Zilungile Mkhize
Tshwane Metro Police Chief Yolande Faro has denied having any knowledge of service level and land tender agreements entered into by the municipality, including one involving El Shaddai Security Services.
Faro made the remarks while testifying before the Madlanga Commission, where issues related to procurement processes and oversight have come under scrutiny.
During proceedings, Commissioner Sandile Khumalo questioned Faro on her apparent lack of awareness of the agreements, despite her position as head of the Tshwane Metro Police Department. The commissioner raised concerns about governance and accountability, particularly as the agreements were concluded during a period when Faro was on leave.
The contracts in question were signed by an acting official in her absence. However, Khumalo probed whether adequate internal controls were in place, and whether Faro should reasonably have been informed of such significant decisions, even while away from office.
In her testimony, Faro maintained that she had not seen any draft versions of the agreements prior to their approval and was not consulted at any stage of the process.
“I was not aware of the process, nor was I privy to any documentation related to these agreements,” Faro told the commission.
Her testimony forms part of broader investigations by the Madlanga Commission into alleged irregularities and governance failures within the Tshwane Metro Police and related municipal structures.
The inquiry is expected to continue hearing evidence from additional officials as it seeks to establish accountability and determine whether proper procedures were followed.
