Public Protector to probe repairs to non-existent bridges

The Public Protector is probing claims of payments for repairs to non-existent bridges in Ehlanzeni in Mpumalanga, her office said.

Thuli Madonsela's spokesman, Oupa Segalwe, said the matter was brought to her attention by a representative of the Congress of the People.

"Reports on the disaster relief projects that were tabled at the Ehlanzeni District Municipality Council at two separate meetings did not tally," said Segalwe.

"[For example] there were differences in prices and the same number of bridges were not appearing in both lists."

He could not confirm how much money, if any, was put into the construction of the alleged "ghost bridges".

"The amount cannot be established at the moment as investigation is still continuing," said Segalwe.