By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 October 2026 – The Municipal Manager of Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Morris Maluleke (43) was denied bail by the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court in a R24 million fraud and corruption case. Maluleke appeared in court on 16 October 2026, for his formal bail application.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi said the application was opposed by the senior state advocates. Malabi said the state argued that Maluleke faces serious charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.
“It further submitted that he may interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations and that his release on bail would not be in the interests of justice at this stage. The court upheld the state’s submissions and denied Maluleke bail. He failed to discharge on a balance of probabilities, the onus to show that he should be admitted to bail.
“Maluleke was arrested on 7 October 2026, together with his company, Bona Cord Vulstasie, in connection with allegations of fraud, corruption and money laundering arising from a municipal fleet management contract. The state alleges that Maluleke initially approved a fleet contract valued at approximately R4 million and later authorised payments totalling R24 million, allegedly resulting in substantial financial loss to the municipality,” she said.
Malabi said the state further alleges that in December 2022, Maluleke irregularly awarded a R24 million fleet tender to Fleetmove (Pty) Ltd without following the prescribed Supply Chain Management processes. She added that although payments allegedly began in January 2023, services were only rendered between April and May 2023, after the municipality’s Legal Division threatened to terminate the contract.
“The investigation also uncovered allegations that payments totalling R230 000, which the state believes were kickbacks, were made into an account linked to Maluleke through a company of which he is the sole director. The matter has been postponed to 3 November 2026, for further investigation. Maluleke remains in custody.
“The NPA welcomes the court’s decision and remains committed to ensuring accountability for corruption and the misuse of public funds,” said Malabi.
