Central SA
Maluti-a-Phofung MMC granted bail after alleged R70,000 fraud─── ZENANDE MPAME 09:59 Wed, 13 Aug 2025
A senior ANC ward councillor in the Free State-based Maluti-a-Phofung (MaP) Municipality will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 1 September to face charges of fraud and corruption.
Mary Crockett was granted R10,000 bail at her previous court appearance in the same court on Wednesday (6/8). She was arrested four days previously following accusations of selling government houses and vacant sites. She made her first court appearance on Monday (11/8) when her bail application was denied.
The MMC for social development allegedly sold land to a community member, failed to transfer ownership, and defrauded the buyer of R70,000. “The ANC in Thabo Mofutsanyana region has noted with concern the court’s decision to grant bail to its member Cde Mary Crockett in the matter before the court,” said Thabo Mofutsanyana regional secretary Mojalefa Mohapi.
A statement by the ANC in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region. Photo supplied
“The ANC respects the independence of the judiciary and the legal process, and the ANC expressed its strongest condemnation of the rampant fraud and corruption that was uncovered.”
The party commends the police for ensuring that those who betray the public trust face the full might of the law, but condemns “any abuse of power and criminal conduct by any of our members, councillors or officials entrusted with critical responsibilities”, he said.
Crockett was formally charged with three counts of fraud and two of corruption in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court. She was granted bail on conditions that she reports to the Phuthaditjhaba police station every Monday and that her passport be handed in.
“The DA in MaP will closely monitor the legal proceedings against ANC Cllr Mary Crockett and Member of the Mayoral Committee for social development in MaP,” said DA Cllr Ana Motaung. “The DA remains committed to monitoring the court proceedings until the matter is fully resolved, reaffirming its dedication to justice and good governance.”
The ANC warned that this is a clear message to those who engage in corruption and criminality within our government structures, will be held accountable, said Mohapi.
The culture of impunity must end, and the policy on step-aside shall apply without fear or favour as per the resolution of the 54th national conference of the ANC.
