FORMER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARRESTED

Photo: Johannes Thiyane

Supplied

By: Neo Ntsele

Three suspects aged 43 and 53, were arrested this morning, on Friday 23, in Bethlehem by members of the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Bethlehem.

The suspects Ntokozo Eric Shabalala 43, Johannes Thiyane 43, and Lekgetho Isaac Mokgatlhe 53.

Their arrests is in relation to fraudulent activities that took place at Dihlabeng Local Municipality.

During 2023 wherein the Hawks received information from the office of Premier in Free State regarding the allegations of fraud at the municipality.

It is alleged that former Municipal Manager and Director of Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlement irregularly appointed a service provider without following due processes to supply and install diesel generators at water treatment works in Saulspoort dam.

It was further reported that the Municipal Manager and the Director drafted an appointment letter for a service provider at a cost of R7.2 million.

Photo: Lekgetho Isaac Mokgatlhe

Supplied

The service provider only erected the slab at the site and invoiced the municipality an amount of R611 000.

As a result of the fraudulent activities Dihlabeng Local Municipality was prejudiced and suffered a total loss of R611 000.

Photo: Ntokozo Eric Shabalala

Supplied

The suspects appeared before the Bethlehem Magistrates Court on Friday 23, where they faced charges of fraud, forgery, uttering and Contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), their case was postponed to 18 September for further investigation.

They were granted R10 000 bail each.