BARKLY EAST – Mandlenkosi James Matutu, an uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) Member of Parliament in the National Assembly and Thembelani Ngceba, Water Supply Manager at Joe Gqabi District Municipality appeared in court on fraud, corruption and money laundering charges relating to a R1.6 million water pipe tender scam that left the Ugie community without promised infrastructure.
Matutu, the sole director of Vukabalele Trading CC and Zim-Zet Trading (Pty) Ltd, along with Ngceba appeared before Barkly East Magistrate’s Court on 24 March following their arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the accused are facing charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
He further said that the matter relates to an alleged public procurement process initiated on 1 December 2019, when the Joe Gqabi District Municipality ostensibly advertised a tender for procurement and installation of water pipes intended for the Ugie community.
Mhlakuvana said that reports indicated that the tender was subsequently awarded to Vukabalele Trading CC.
“Further reports revealed that the procurement process was deliberately manipulated through fraudulent and collusive conduct involving both the service provider and certain municipal officials, entrusted with fiduciary responsibilities,” said Mhlakuvana.
He said that allegations exposed that officials acting as end-users in the transaction certified fraudulent delivery notes and invoices, falsely confirming that the water pipes were received.
“As a result of such activities the municipality reportedly effected full payment to the service provider, despite the complete non-delivery of the goods,” said Mhlakuvana.
He said that further allegations uncovered a pattern of financial transactions indicative of money laundering and illicit enrichment.
“Funds were apparently channelled through various accounts, including transfers to Zim-Zet Trading (Pty) Ltd, an entity solely directed by the principal accused, as well as to his personal account,” said Mhlakuvana.
He further said that a case docket was opened, and the matter was referred to the Hawks for a probe.
Mhlakuvana said that the investigation further established that certain municipal officials involved in the processing and authorisation of payments received undue financial gratification from the service provider.
He said that meticulous investigation by the Hawks confirmed the allegations and exposed that the municipality suffered a financial loss of over R1.6 million, which culminated in the arrest of the accused and business entities on 24 March.
The accused appeared before the Barkly East Magistrates’ Court on the same day of their arrest, where they were each granted bail of R5,000.
Mhlakuvana said that the matter has been remanded to 5 May for the appointment of legal representation and further investigation.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, was enthusiastic and appreciated the efforts made by the team of investigators in ensuring that the accused face the mighty arm of the law.
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