This as media reports state the accused, Mncedisi Simon Mqwathi, has been placed on precautionary suspension in light of his bail conditions which were formalised on Wednesday, June 5, as he was released on R100 000 bail by the Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court. Spokesperson, Dika Kheswa says the matter will be ironed out today.

These bail conditions include attending court proceedings until the case is finalised, no contact and interference with state witnesses as well as no contact with all the employees of Moqhaka Local Municipality, directly or indirectly. The latter has implications on the terms of Mqwathi’s employment.

The Hawks in the province told OFM News the investigating officer has to inform the Acting Municipal Manager and the Executive Mayor about all the conditions, especially about the condition that the accused must not have any contact, directly or indirectly, with the employees. They will, therefore, have to make a decision on the matter. The case, on the other hand, has been remanded to 12 August 2019 for further investigation.

Mqwathi was arrested last week after he was meant to hand himself over to the Hawks the previous week, following which he then went on the run. He is one of five suspects who have been arrested with regards to a tender that was awarded to a company known as Zero Tolerance, which the Hawks believe was fraudulently awarded a tender at two municipalities in the province, the other being the Dihlabeng Local Municipality.

The DA is reportedly unhappy with the appointment of the acting Municipal Manager.

OFM News