The Hawks in the Free State have arrested a former acting municipal manager at the Koffiefontein-based Letsemeng Municipality.

They were arrested, alongside the director of a company which won a tender, on Monday (11/12) for fraud, corruption and contravention of the Municipal Financial Management Act, says Free State Hawks spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti. 

The arrests emanate from a bulk water upgrade tender worth R38 million, which was advertised on 15 May 2022.

The company submitted a falsified performance certificate and appointment letter. The former acting municipal manager allegedly appointed the company in August last year.

A whistle blower brought he matter to the attention of the Hawks, and on 5 January 2023 they were granted an order by the Koffiefontein Magistrate's Court for search and seizure of documents at the Letsemeng municipal offices.

Tender documents, payment batches, and an acceptance of tender letter were confiscated for investigations, says Matoti. The suspects will appear in the Koffiefontein Magistrate's Court on Tuesday (12/12) 12 Decembe.

The former acting municipal manager has been charged with fraud, corruption and contravention of the Municipal Managment Act, while the company and its director have been charged with fraud, forgery, uttering and contravention of the Municipal Financial Act.

OFM News/DZ