This is according to the Hawks Free State spokesperson Linda Steyn. She says the alleged crimes were committed between August 2016 and November 2018. 

This comes after the Clean Audit Task Team deployed in the Free State on Monday arrested two senior executives from the Maluti-a-Phofung and Dihlabeng Local Municipalities in the province. 

Mavis Mabula and Solomon Nyembe appeared briefly before the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Nyembe was released on R10 000 while Mabula was released on a warning and will reappear in court on June 13. 

Moqhaka Municipal Manager, Simon Mqwathi did not surrender himself to the authorities as arranged and is still on the run. Steyn says a warrant of arrest was issued and police are still looking for him

The officials allegedly did not follow the correct supply chain management processes in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act, which resulted in irregular appointments, as well as unauthorized, wasteful and fruitless expenditure amounting to over R35 million, Steyn said.

OFM News/ Michael Tlhakudi