The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit has arrested a former mayor, Mandla Mamba (49), and two accomplices, Vincent Mkhefa (44), the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the municipality and Caroline Nketu (51), a service provider on Friday, 19 July 2019.
During August 2011, a whistle blower reported alleged tender fraud and corruption allegedly committed at Nketoane Local Municipality. The matter relates to the installation of equipment in the parks, whereby incorrect procurement procedures were followed, quotations were apparently inflated and kickbacks exchanged hands.
Further investigation into this matter was conducted and it was found that the former Mayor sourced a service provider on the 24 March 2011 and requested a quotation for playground equipment. The service provider submitted the quotation in this regard for the amount of R32 900. The equipment was later delivered and payment authorised.
During the same period, Nketu (accused nr 3) who was also a service provider, was requested to provide quotations for the same tender contract. Two quotations were then submitted by Nketu for the amount of R198 500 each for two areas.
Mkhefa the former CFO, allegedly authorised these payments and as a result of these fraudulent activities, Nketoane Local Municipality was prejudiced and suffered a loss of approximately R364 100.
The accused have been charged for fraud and money laundering in contravention of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act, the Prevention of Organised Crime Act as well as the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. They are expected back at court on the 19 August 2019.
