KNYSNA – In a dramatic week at the Knysna Magistrate’s Court, former Knysna Mayor Thando Matika, Acting Municipal Manager Boy Manqoba Ngubo, and Acting Chief Financial Officer Busisiwe Lubelwana were each granted R20,000 bail following their arrests on severe charges including corruption, money laundering, and extortion.

The high-profile trio was taken into custody by members of the SAPS Political Killings Task Team early this month following investigations into alleged tender irregularities and kickback demands tied to a massive R68-million municipal security contract.

During court proceedings, details emerged regarding the State’s case against the three municipal figures. The State alleges that the accused solicited over R510,000 directly from a service provider who secured the R68-million security tender to ensure the contract was not prematurely terminated. Investigators believe total demands solicited across the scheme exceeded R2 million.

The investigating officer also presented testimony describing large cash handovers, including an exchange of cash inside a Shoprite plastic bag at a local Food Lover’s Market in Knysna, and evidence submitted to the court indicated that solicitation extended to luxury items and expensive champagne.

Legal counsel for the trio read their clients’ bail affidavits into the record. The accused deny the charges, with Matika addressing supporters outside the courthouse to claim that the prosecution is politically motivated.

KIM reaction: “Absolute nonsense” to claim political motivation

Speaking to NOVANEWS, Susan Campbell of the Knysna Independent Movement (KIM) dismissed claims that the prosecution is politically motivated and expressed surprise at the bail terms.

“In the case of the acting MM and CFO, we are shocked that bail was granted, considering the investigation is ongoing,” Campbell stated, adding that the set bail amount was remarkably low given the gravity of the allegations.

” When it comes to the former mayor, the charges against him appear to be less serious, but the bail was still very low”

Addressing assertions of political targeting, Campbell was firm: “It’s absolute nonsense that this is politically motivated. The evidence points to straightforward corruption. It’s a clear case of asking for a bribe. I would say the allegations are just a distraction.”

Campbell also commended law enforcement for their swift action.

Administrative transition and the path forward

The arrests come amid significant administrative leadership changes for the municipality. A new acting Mayor is now in position, and another Acting CFO has been appointed to ensure operational continuity.

For residents who have endured ongoing governance instability and service delivery challenges, Campbell emphasised that combating corruption remains the crucial first step toward recovery:

“Our message to residents: we have to root out corruption to deliver services. This is a good start in trying to solve Knysna’s problems. If we do not deal with corruption, we cannot deliver services.”

What’s next?

Magistrate court proceedings have officially postponed the matter to 2 December 2026, for further police investigation. State prosecutors have emphasised that additional charges against Matika, Ngubo, and Lubelwana have not been ruled out as forensic audits into municipal financial activity continue.

ALSO READ: NCOP blocks Western Cape intervention in crisis-hit Knysna Municipality