Former Cederberg Deputy Mayor Convicted of Fraud Over School Dress Tender

Former Cederberg Deputy Mayor, Benjamin Zass, has been convicted of fraud in connection with a R20,000 tender intended to supply school dresses for disadvantaged pupils.

The conviction, handed down by the Bellville Commercial Crimes Court, follows a detailed investigation sparked by a complaint from Louisa Swartz, the owner of RJ Swartz, a supplier listed on the Cederberg municipality’s database.

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Scheme Unraveled

The case centers around a tender issued for the municipality’s ‘Back to School Project.’

The for Cederberg deputy Mayor, Swartz, who had been awarded the R20,000 to supply school dresses, was instructed by Zass to return the funds after the municipality decided to manage the project itself.

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Instead of returning the money through the municipality’s proper channels, Zass, Cederberg deputy Mayor demanded that Swartz meet him outside a local grocery store and hand over the cash in person.

The court rejected Zass’s claims that he was acting on the municipal manager’s instructions, as his actions violated internal procurement regulations.

Court Rejects Zass’s Defense

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During the trial, the court heard from several key witnesses, including municipal officials and Swartz herself, who testified about Zass’s interference in the supply chain process.

The court dismissed Zass’s defense and found him guilty of fraud and contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act.

Zass will be sentenced on May 29, 2025, as the court weighs the full consequences of his actions.

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