A draft Public Protector report containing findings against the former Johannesburg mayor and founder of The People's Dialogue, Herman Mashaba, has seemingly been leaked to the media.

Mashaba has opened a criminal case, in terms of the Public Protector Act, after a preliminary report, which found him guilty of conflict of interest and making irregular appointments, was leaked.

READ | Former Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba lashes out after draft Public Protector report leaked

"The reason for this, is that the leaked draft report was exactly that, a draft report.

Mashaba added that it would not be difficult to investigate who was responsible for the leak as only four parties had the draft report; Mashaba, Tembe, the City of Johannesburg and the office of the Public Protector.

IOL reported on Sunday that the preliminary report found Mashaba to be guilty of contravening supply chain management policies, conflict of interest and making irregular appointments.