Nokwanda Veronica Xamesi (45), Ernest Thapelo Kgomo (48), and Tubatsi Masia (46) were all granted bail amounting to R15 000 after appearing in the Welkom Magistrate's Court. They were arrested in Bloemfontein and Welkom and they are facing charges of fraud, forgery, uttering, and money laundering. Khalipha stated that the arrest of the trio will send a strong message that no one is above the law. He further said it is a reminder that the municipality will not hesitate to take action against corrupt individuals, regardless of their position and influence.

"We are today living to the commitment we made during our meeting with his Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and former President Thabo Mbeki that we will do anything in our power to fight corruption and state capture. We are resolute in our position to root out corruption from our municipality and ensure that those who are responsible are held accountable for their actions," he emphasised.

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Khalipha revealed that the municipality, working closely with law enforcement agencies, will be implementing stricter measures to support investigations into all matters related to fraud and corruption. He said that he has instructed municipal managers to roll out programmes that are aimed at promoting strong ethics and values amongst employees and officials. 

Khalipha urged law enforcement agencies to fast-track their investigations in all cases of corruption in Matjhabeng.

OFM News