A 40-year-old supplier linked to a fraudulent R16 million fleet tender has been arrested by the Gauteng Provincial Political Killings Task Team, marking the second major arrest in the Emfuleni Local Municipality corruption probe.
The suspect was apprehended at a Pretoria mall on Wednesday afternoon following an investigation into a tender that saw the municipality pay for 18 vehicles but receive only seven.
The supplier, whose company was contracted to deliver municipal trucks and other vehicles to Emfuleni Local Municipality, faces charges of corruption, fraud and theft. The arrest comes nearly two months after the municipality’s former fleet manager, Lerato Mpholo (42), was detained in connection with the same tender irregularities.
According to investigators, the municipality entered into a contract with the supplier between November and December 2022 to acquire 18 vehicles, including trucks, bakkies and graders. Despite full payment being made for the fleet, only seven vehicles were delivered to the municipality.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Mpholo, who was arrested in July, is currently out on bail.
Whistleblower’s tragic legacy
The investigation was triggered by a complaint from municipal accountant and whistleblower Martha Mani Rantsofu, who flagged the irregular procurement deal before being murdered earlier this year. Police have confirmed that the corruption case is linked to the matters she reported before her death.
A forensic audit completed in February revealed that the municipality lost more than R16 million due to irregular vehicle purchases and non-delivery. The audit identified Mpholo as a central figure who allegedly bypassed supply chain management processes and colluded with suppliers.
Investigators found that Mpholo certified invoices as proof of delivery for vehicles that had never been received, whilst assistant fleet manager Levy Hlalele allegedly signed as the receiving official for the non-existent vehicles.
Vehicles traced, more arrests expected
Four of the missing vehicles have since been traced after police discovered they were registered under different entities instead of the Emfuleni Local Municipality. Authorities continue to search for the remaining vehicles.
In April, Emfuleni municipal manager April Ntuli filed a formal criminal complaint against seven employees and several service providers regarding the tender, citing gross mismanagement of assets and procurement processes.
Police have indicated that the investigation remains active and further arrests are possible as the probe continues.
The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team, established earlier this year, has expanded its mandate beyond politically motivated murders to tackle complex corruption and fraud cases involving municipal officials and organised criminal syndicates.
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