Molemole Municipality rocked by tender scandal as Hawks arrest four senior officials
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Limpopo arrested four senior municipal officials in connection with alleged fraud and corruption at the Molemole Local Municipality.
The group, aged between 35 and 60, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations of irregular tender procedures.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba said the unit had intensified its clampdown on corruption.
Fumba said the suspects were arrested following an intensive investigation into alleged irregularities in municipal procurement processes.
“It is alleged that the officials were involved in the omission of proper tender procedures, in contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).”
He said preliminary investigations indicate that the alleged misconduct may have resulted in financial prejudice to the municipality.
“The exact value is still subject to verification as investigations continue.”
Fumba said the case stems from incidents reported in September 2024 and has since been under thorough investigation by the Limpopo Serious Corruption Investigation team.
The suspects are being held at Mogwadi police station and are expected to appear before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Friday, April 17, 2026.
“This development forms part of a broader ongoing investigation and more arrests are imminent as the net continues to close on all those allegedly involved in the scheme.”
Meanwhile, acting provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Brigadier Lesiba Meshack Malapile, reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to tackling corruption within state institutions, emphasising that no individual, regardless of rank or position, would be spared when implicated in acts that undermine public trust and service delivery.
In a separate case, the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit intercepted a consignment of explosives at the Beitbridge Port of Entry last week, on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Fumba said the interception followed a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation, led with critical strategic input from the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
“SARS played a pivotal role in guiding the operation, working in seamless collaboration with the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and Musina SAPS.”
He said a truck allegedly entering South Africa from Zimbabwe near Musina was intercepted, leading to the arrest of Edga Maroto, 42, who allegedly attempted to evade arrest.
“A search of the truck allegedly uncovered a substantial cache of explosives, including blasting cartridges, connector capsules and detonator fuse, valued at approximately R769,000.00.”
The truck used in the commission of the alleged offence was also confiscated, bringing the total estimated value of seized items to R2,769,000.00.
Fumba said Maroto made his first appearance in the Musina District Magistrate’s Court on April 13, 2026, facing a charge of possession of explosives.
The matter was postponed to April 20, 2026, for further investigation and a formal bail application. The accused remains in custody.
IOL News
