Former CFO Arrested for Alleged R167,000 Fraud in Lekwa Teemane Municipality

Members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit arrested a 45-year-old former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality on Monday, 4 November 2024. The arrest took place in Heidelberg following allegations of fraud and violations of the Municipal Finance Management Act related to the procurement of vehicle rental services for the municipality’s mayor.

The charges stem from a series of transactions made between April and May 2022, when the suspect allegedly bypassed established supply chain processes to secure motor vehicle rental services. According to the investigation, these services were procured without the required authorization from the municipal manager, resulting in an estimated financial loss of over R167,000 for the municipality.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Christiana Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 November 2024, where they will face three counts of fraud and contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act. This case highlights ongoing concerns about governance and financial management within municipal structures, with authorities promising continued action against corruption.