By REGINALD KANYANE
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the City of Matlosana, Mercy Phetla (38), the acting Store Controller, Mmatebesi Josephine Sekhejane (42), and the Director of Variegated Pty (Ltd) company, Tiisetso Sebetlele (33), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 19 August 2024, facing charges of fraud.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the trio was arrested on Monday morning by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit, following an investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities.
“It is alleged that in January 2024, the municipality paid a service provider an amount of R2.9 million for electrical materials, which were never delivered. The accused have appeared in court on a charge of fraud and were granted bail.
“Phetla was granted a R35 000 bail, Sekhejane R5000 and Sebetlele was granted R20 000 bail. The court has ordered that the accused report at their nearest police stations once a week and that they must not be in contact with the State’s witnesses. Their case was postponed to 12 November 2024, for further investigation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari have welcomed the arrest and subsequent court appearance of the accused. They have vowed that the Hawks and NPA will continue working together to fight malfeasance in public institutions.
The Guardian 