Former Limpopo municipal legal manager arrested over procurement fraud

The Hawks in Limpopo have arrested a former legal manager from the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality on charges of fraud and corruption.

The arrest follows an extensive investigation into suspected collusion between municipal officials and service providers.

Investigators believe these parties conspired to manipulate procurement processes for personal gain.

According to the Hawks, the 40-year-old suspect unlawfully facilitated the appointment of a service provider to supply software to the municipality’s Crime Intelligence Division.

Further allegations suggest the suspect knowingly approved the appointment despite the service provider failing to meet the requirements prescribed by the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). This action allegedly compromised standard procurement protocols.

"As a result, the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality is said to have suffered a financial prejudice of approximately R686,000," stated Limpopo Hawks spokesperson Wendy Nkabi.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to make a first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Friday. 

The investigation continues as authorities look into whether other officials were involved in the scheme.