KUGOMPO CITY, Eastern Cape – Two former employees of the Buffalo City Metro Municipality Cemetery Department have appeared in court on charges of fraud and theft involving more than R344 000.

According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo, the accused Ntombomzi Litye (60) and Nontando Marala (44) appeared before the KuGompo Magistrates Court.

Both accused were granted bail of R1 000 each.

Singo said the pair allegedly committed fraudulent activities between December 2024 and June 2025 while employed at the municipality’s cemetery department.

“It is alleged that the accused made misrepresentations to municipal clients who came to request and purchase burial site services,” said Singo.

The accused allegedly instructed clients to make cash payments and then kept the money for their own personal gain.

As a result of the alleged scheme, the Buffalo City Metro Municipality reportedly suffered losses amounting to R344 846.

The matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in KuGompo City, leading to the arrest of the accused on 27 May.

The case has been postponed to 5 June.

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