Former municipal managers, Theron Zwelishe Shongwe, Thusi Hezekiel Kubheka and former Community Service Manager, Masego Mmabatho Matsheka appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
They are facing charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
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Reports reveal that between 2014 and 2018, the former municipal officials of Msukaligwa Local Municipality sold a property belonging to the municipality including the reservoir and the water pump meant to serve the basic needs of the community.
They also exchanged the municipality properties with higher value to lower value to benefit the private person without considering the essential benefits towards the community.
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“The matter was reported to the Hawks in March 2020 for further probe. During the investigation, it was established that the correct procurement processes were not followed. The properties which were sold belonged to the municipality,” said Hawks provincial spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi.
The three were granted R5000 bail each and the case was postponed to October 6, 2022 for further investigation.
