Mothusi Oagile (50) and Leopold Letlhogonolo Fourie (53) appeared before the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (21/11) following their arrests. They are accused of irregularly appointing security companies, causing significant financial losses to the municipality.

North West Hawks spokesperson, Amogelang Malwetse, revealed that Oagile served as acting municipal manager from November 2016 to March 2017. During his tenure, he allegedly appointed Ipelegeng Protection Services for security services without adhering to supply chain management processes, resulting in a municipal loss of R969,000.

North West Hawks arrested two former acting municipal managers allegedly involved in corruption. Photo supplied

Fourie, who succeeded Oagile as municipal manager from April to May 2017, is accused of terminating Ipelegeng’s services and appointing Triumph Security Company for the same services without following due processes. This decision reportedly caused a further loss of R450,000 to the municipality.

The accused appeared in court and were granted bail. Oagile was released on R6,000, while Fourie was released on R3,000. Their case has been postponed to 20 February 2025 for further deliberation.

The arrests come as part of an intensified effort by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit, based in Klerksdorp, to address financial misconduct in municipalities across the North West. 

Another legally embattled former North West municipal official, who was arrested for allegedly spending millions of taxpayers’ money on laptops and food parcels, still has a legal matter hanging over his head. This after he was initially suspended following R134 m. fraud allegations.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg