Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation Veronique Laporte has confirmed an investigation into alleged employment corruption at the Seychelles Public Transport Company (SPTC).
The matter was raised during question time in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
On behalf of Bel Ombre elected member Denise Clarisse, proportionally elected LDS member Valdana Sultan asked what action had been taken. This question followed allegations that a senior SPTC officer accepted money from foreign workers. These foreign workers were seeking employment with the company.
In response, Minister Laporte said she ordered an investigation into the matter.
She said the investigation was launched as soon as she became aware of the allegations.
Furthermore, she added that the matter had also been reported to the police.
“At the moment it is a police case, and before I received your question, I called the police for an update, and they told me in two weeks I will get feedback on it,” she said.
Minister Laporte also confirmed that the employee concerned no longer works for SPTC. However, she said the investigation is continuing and that SPTC would provide documents and evidence if charges are filed.
“If you can allow me, in two weeks the police will come out and give a position on the matter,” she said.
The minister added that fraud and abuse by public servants would not be tolerated under her administration.
“In fact, when I first took office as minister, I brought all CEOs into the boardroom and explained to them that anyone found involved in such an act will be prosecuted, and everyone will face firm consequences under the law if they breach the law,” Minister Laporte said.