Picture: Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Radikashu Isaac Tsie (44), was arrested by the Hawks for alleged fraud/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Radikashu Isaac Tsie (44), was arrested by the Hawks for alleged fraud amounting to R460 000. Tsie briefly appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 11 September 2024.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Tsie was arrested on Wednesday morning by the members of the Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Lichtenburg. Gunya said his arrest follows an investigation into allegations of fraud relating to the procurement of legal practitioner’s services for the embattled municipality.
“The investigation revealed that in May 2021, Tsie and his co-accused, Thouret Mampe Thabe Tiro, the Director of Tiro Attorneys (PTY) LTD and the former acting Director of Corporate Services at the Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Tsietsi Isaac Shema, allegedly connived to defraud the municipality of over R460 000 for services, which were never rendered.
“Tiro and Shema were arrested last week. It was uncovered during the investigation that Tiro Attorneys submitted invoices to the municipality for legal services he claimed to have rendered. Tsie and Shema reportedly approved payment for services that were never rendered. The trio is facing four (4) counts of fraud and an alternative theft charge,” he said.
Gunya further said Tsie made a brief court appearance and was released on R5000 bail. He added Tsie will join his co-accused when they re-appear in court on 4 October 2024.
“Tiro and Shema are out on R8000 bail each,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, the North West Hawks Head, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the latest arrest. They have commended the collaborative work between the investigation and prosecution in ensuring that the accused are brought to justice.
The Guardian 