The suspect (39) was arrested by the Hawks on Thursday (5/12) and is set to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He’s charged with fraud, forgery, uttering, and money laundering, said Hawks spokesperson WO Fikiswa Matoti.

The allegations stem from irregularities in the bidding and awarding of a tender for trade waste collection services for businesses in Mangaung Metro. Two companies, including the suspect’s, were awarded the tender, but allegedly submitted fraudulent roadworthy certificates for the trucks to be used.

The metro reportedly paid some R2.7 million for services rendered under the fraudulent tender.

The Hawks were alerted to the irregularities, leading to two warrants of arrest for both companies’ directors. On Thursday, the first suspect was traced and arrested. The second’s arrest is imminent, said Matoti.

The ailing municipality has long been criticised for its poor service delivery. Last year, to solve waste management problems, more than R200 million was invested in the metro and some 2,000 EPWP volunteers hired on 12-month contracts to clean the city.

Nonetheless, the metro faces continuous backlash from opposition parties and residents for failing to deliver adequate services.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mc