Former CFO and Payroll Clerk Arrested for Alleged Fraud at Ratlou Municipality

A 35-year-old former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Ratlou Local Municipality in Madibogo and a 53-year-old Payroll Clerk have been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Potchefstroom. The pair were taken into custody on Monday, 15 September 2025, in connection with alleged fraud at the municipality.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the arrests follow a thorough investigation into suspicious financial activities within the municipality. It is alleged that the two manipulated payroll systems and financial records, resulting in irregular payments and potential financial losses to the municipality.