FREE STATE – Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation detectives have arrested former municipal manager and a director of Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality for alleged fraud, theft, money laundering, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
The arrest of the MM, Futhulu Patrick Mothamaha (52), and the director of Lesedi Khanya Energy, Lelokonyane Isak Letseng (45), are connected to an electricity transformer tender.
Fraudulent tender scheme
In 2021, Lesedi Khanya Energy was awarded a tender worth R1,9 million to install transformers in the Maluti-A-Phofung municipality. However, the transformers were never delivered despite full payment being made.
Investigation revealed that Letseng had submitted a R1,9 million invoice which was authorised by Mothamaha in his capacity as municipal manager. The municipality made the payment based on this authorisation, thereby suffering a substantial financial loss.
Arrests and court proceedings
The suspects were arrested on a warrant on 18 November. Both have appeared before the Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court, where they were each granted R10 000 bail.
The matter has been postponed to 22 January 2026 for further proceedings.
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Significance of the case
This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by the Hawks to combat municipal corruption and holds accountable those who abuse public office for personal gain. The case represents another instance of tender fraud that has plagued South African municipalities, depriving communities of essential infrastructure whilst enriching corrupt officials and their accomplices.
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