The case against second accused Irving Steyn was also withdrawn last week by the NPA. Mr. Steyn was arrested and detained on 30 May 2018 on charges of fraud, theft, and corruption but was released on bail on 31 May 2018.
Yvette Scheepers‚ Faisel Abrahams and Irving Steyn first appeared in the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday 19th July 2018 on charges of corruption and fraud.
The prosecution withdrew charges against Scheepers without giving reasons. The case against Steyn and Abrahams was postponed to November 29 for further investigation. “It’s going to be a long and complicated investigation‚ hence the long postponement‚,” prosecutor Richard Chabalala told the court.
A statement issued by the Waterfall Management Company vindicates Irving Steyn among all the employees involved in the corruption and fraud charges.
“I am pleased that these very serious charges against Mr. Steyn have at last been withdrawn. We have always maintained his innocence and believed the allegations against him to be false,” says Willie Vos, CEO of Waterfall Management Company Pty (Ltd). “Mr. Steyn has conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and the highest ethical standards and provided his full co-operation during this investigation. In fact, our own internal investigations, which were concluded almost a year ago, readily and conclusively established that he was in no way involved in, or connected with, these allegations.”
“Mr. Steyn and his family have been subjected to a protracted and agonising ordeal which was not of their own making. He remains in the employ of Waterfall.”
“In the ongoing investigation of this matter, Waterfall Management Company will continue to cooperate with the authorities and update all stakeholders as and when appropriate,” adds Vos.
Waterfall Management Company (Pty) Ltd will continue working with the City of Johannesburg on plans to rectify any illegal water meters and to resolve all issues relating thereto.