The Headman of Ngxaza Administrative Area under Traditional Council in Tsolo, Pumelele Ntaba briefly appeared before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime in connection with fraud allegations.
Eastern Cape Hawk’s spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Golodela said that 54-year-old Ntaba was arrested by the Hawks on February 28, 2023.
“It is alleged that on July 11, 2017 Ntaba falsely and with an intent to defraud, wrote a letter to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) staying that he was the Chief of Ngxaza-Hlubi Traditional Council and the Head of Council,” said Mgolodela.
She added that Ntaba allegedly claimed he was authorised to support the application for mining rights by Lakhanya Logistics CC to do mining in the same area.
“DMR approved the application for mining based on the strength of the letter written by Ntaba which enabled Lakhanya Logistics CC to forge ahead with the mining business.”
“The rightful chief of Ngxaza-Hlubi Traditional Council and the Head of the Council and Hlubi Traditional Council reported the matter to the Hawks for Investigation, which led to the subsequent arrest of Ntaba.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali said that the Head of Amampondomise Asentshonalanga Traditional Council is the one who opened the case as the Ngxaza-Hlubi Council is a fictitious council created by Ntaba.
He was released on R2 000 bail with the matter being adjourned to March 23, 2023, to set a trial date.
ISSUED BY HAWKS
