This is pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct, the City said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The City’s leadership took this step after refuse removal services were disrupted two weeks ago as a result of the inadequately managed contract,” said Group Corporate and Shared Services MMC Ntombi Khumalo.

Khumalo said the contracts relating to Pikitup’s non-specialised, specialised and red fleet were now the subject of an investigation.

“Should the investigation confirm the allegations of misconduct, the City will not hesitate to take appropriate action,” she said.

Khumalo said the City has since appointed officials to act in the positions of those who had been suspended, in order to ensure that tenders were finalised as a matter of urgency. DM