HAWKS DESCEND ON NALA MUNICIPALITY

Photo: Hawks making an arrest

Supplied

By: Neo Ntsele

Three male suspects aged between 44 and 59 appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court today (Thurs) 15, for alleged fraud, theft, and money laundering relating to the building of low-cost housing in the Nala Local Municipality.

They were arrested on Wednesday 14, in Bothaville, Welkom, and Bloemfontein by Serious Corruption Investigation detectives.

The suspects are, development officer Thulo Majoe 59, consulting engineer Wouter Kruger 52, and project manager Lesego Saru 44.

In May 2021, the Department of Human Settlements appointed a service provider to build 47 foundations in Bothaville as part of the first phase of the project.

Over R1,1 million was paid to the service provider.

However, it was later discovered that only 14 foundations were built despite the department being billed for 47.

A Hawks investigation into the matter pointed to a collaboration between the service provider, development officer, consulting engineer, and project manager. Evidence to this effect was presented before the prosecution, resulting in warrants for their arrest being issued.

Fourth suspect and company director, Kitso Knowledge Timenyane 51, was processed this morning to appear alongside co-accused; Kruger, Saru, and Majoe.

All suspects, except Majoe, were released on a warning to appear in the same court on 10 June 2025.

Matter against Majoe will be heard tomorrow (Fri) 16.

The arrest of the service provider is imminent.