ZUKISWA Mhlontlo (49), the director of Mihlali Events CC, appeared before the East London Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 16, on charges of water supply fraud.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, this follows her arrest by the East London Serious Corruption Investigation Unit of the Hawks on the same day.
Mgolodela said it is alleged that the Amatola Water Board advertised a tender for the supply of water to the communities within the Chris Hani District rural areas.
“The other requirement for the tender was the possession of a licensed water tanker by the prospective service provider.
“It is further alleged that in 2020, Mihlali Events Management CC, under the directorship of Mhlontlo, through misrepresentation with the intention to defraud the Amatola Water Board, submitted a fraudulent vehicle registration certificate purporting to have been issued by the relevant Licensing Authorities of the Department of Transport, whereas it was not.”
She added that the submissions made by Mhlontlo were to be among the suitable service providers for the tender.
“The matter was reported to the Hawks in May 2024 for probing,” she added.
According to her, the investigation confirmed prejudice to the value of more than R217,000.
She further added: “Mhlontlo appeared before the East London Magistrates’ Court on October 16, where she was released on R3,000 bail.
The investigating team is lauded by the Provincial Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, for their expedition in handling the matter.
