The municipal manager of Mogalakwena Local Municipality in Limpopo, South Africa, is set to appear in the Mokopane Magistrates’ Court on Friday. The manager was arrested in connection with allegations involving a fleet contract that resulted in an alleged financial loss to the municipality. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the municipal manager approved a fleet contract valued at about R4 million and authorised payments totalling approximately R24 million in connection with the same contract.
The transactions allegedly resulted in a financial loss to the municipality. It is further alleged that R230,000 was transferred to a company owned by the municipal manager, which operates in the fuel sales sector. The payment is alleged to have been made as gratification in connection with the contract. The NPA regional spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi, confirmed that the municipal manager faces charges of fraud and corruption.
This case is not an isolated incident in the region. In another similar case, a municipal manager of Blouberg Municipality in Limpopo and two directors of a security company appeared at the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged fraudulent security services tender worth more than R11 million. Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala, 57, appeared alongside Sello Herlot Mongalo, 37, and Ngoako Nicolas Thoka, 39, directors of BBT Security Services (Pty) Ltd.
The trio were arrested on September 23, 2026, following an investigation into the awarding and implementation of a security services tender by the municipality. Malabi said the municipality awarded the tender to BBT Security Services in March 2023 after the company allegedly submitted fraudulent tender documents. The company allegedly failed to meet key technical requirements contained in the tender specifications.
Despite the alleged non-compliance, BBT Security Services continued providing security services to the municipality and received payments over a period of about three years. The NPA said the payments amounted to more than R11 million. The three accused collectively face 73 charges, including theft, fraud and money laundering. The matter was postponed to October 1, 2026.
The Mogalakwena municipal manager's case has raised concerns about corruption and financial mismanagement in local municipalities. The NPA's Malabi emphasised that the authority is committed to investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption and financial mismanagement. The municipal manager's appearance in court on Friday is a significant step in addressing these concerns.
The cases in Mogalakwena and Blouberg municipalities highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in municipal procurement processes. The incidents also underscore the importance of effective oversight and monitoring to prevent financial mismanagement and corruption. Key officials have been arrested and charged in both cases, demonstrating the authorities' efforts to tackle corruption.
Key points
- Mogalakwena municipal manager to appear in court over R4 million fleet contract fraud allegations.
- The municipal manager faces charges of fraud and corruption related to a fleet contract.
- Another case in Blouberg Municipality involves an alleged R11 million tender fraud.
