Twenty-two accused, including their companies, appeared in the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on charges of corruption, money laundering and conspiracy to commit corruption.
Among the suspects who appeared yesterday are former mayor of Mogalakwena Municipality, Andrina Matsemela, 46, Nkadi Mabusela, 35, the sister of Matsemela who works in the legal department and Jabu Mashamaite, a director of technical support of Mogalakwena municipality.
In a statement today, National Prosecuting Authority Limpopo regional spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi- Dzhangi, said Mashamaite's brother, Tolly Mashamaite, a member of the legislature, did not appear in court, and a warrant of arrest was authorised against him but was stayed until January 17, 2022.
The NPA said the incidents took place between 2016 and 2019.
“The total amount involved in corruption is R15 million.
“On 30 August 2021, the Assets Forfeiture Unit (AFU) seized a BMW which was bought for accused 16 (Sara Kutumela), who works as an assistant librarian in Mogalakwena municipality,” she said.
Malabi- Dzhangi said the matter was postponed to January 17, 2022, for the State to furnish the legal representatives with copies of the dockets and for the appearance of the outstanding accused.
According to Pretoria News, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into allegations of corruption and maladministration at the Mogalakwena Municipality and 24 contracts awarded by Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) in March.
Ramaphosa also ordered that losses suffered by the state as a result of such actions be recovered.
In a statement, the SIU said Ramaphosa signed proclamation R180 of 2021, paving the way for the Chapter Nine institution to launch the investigation.
The embattled municipality was placed under administration.
THE MERCURY