07/10/2026
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HAWKS CRACK DOWN ON GOVAN MBEKI MUNICIPAL FRAUD, THREE ARRESTED OVER SERVICES NEVER DELIVERED
The Hawks in Mpumalanga have arrested three suspects in connection with an alleged fraud and corruption scheme involving Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, where a service provider was allegedly paid more than R1,5 million for goods and services that were never rendered nor delivered.
The suspects include 46-year-old Brutus Hlophe, a service provider, and 48-year-old Caiphus Ndimande, a former municipal official who was expelled from the municipality. The pair were arrested on Tuesday, 06 October 2026, during an operation conducted by members of the Secunda Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI).
The third suspect, 65-year-old Henry Swart, a former municipal employee who is currently on pension, was arrested on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, after he handed himself over to the Hawks.
The investigation stems from allegations that the service provider invoiced Govan Mbeki Local Municipality on 05 December 2022 for goods and services allegedly not rendered or delivered. The municipality subsequently made payment on 09 December 2022.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the service provider had been appointed to the municipality’s panel of service providers in June 2021. The appointment stipulated that quotations would be requested on a rotational basis, as and when required, through the municipality’s Supply Chain Management processes. It further required a Service Level Agreement (SLA) to be concluded between the service provider and the municipality.
Investigators established that the prescribed procurement processes were allegedly not followed.
Warrants of arrest were subsequently authorised for the three accused persons, the service provider and two former municipal officials.
The company, J Mabhengu Construction and Transport (Pty) Ltd, represented by its director, Hlophe, is also cited as an accused entity in the matter.
The three accused persons, together with the company, appeared before the Evander Magistrate’s Court facing charges of fraud and corruption in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA).
Hlophe and Ndimande appeared before court on Tuesday, 07 October 2026, whilst Swart appeared before court on Wednesday 07 October 2026. They were all remanded in custody pending their next court appearance on Thursday, 08 October 2026, for formal bail application.
The investigation is being conducted by the Secunda Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Ge**er said the Hawks remain committed to pursuing allegations of corruption and fraud involving public institutions and will continue working to ensure that those entrusted with public resources are held accountable.
"Public funds must be protected and utilised lawfully for the benefit of the communities they are intended to serve", concluded General G***e.
