Tumelo Letlojane, 35, former chief financial officer (CFO), and Maikano Keikantsemang Sedumedi, 53, a payroll clerk, were arrested by the Hawks on Monday (15/9). The arrests stem from a March 2022 incident in which Letlojane allegedly appointed Sedumedi as an acting expenditure manager without obtaining approval from the municipal manager.

Both appeared in the Setlagole Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of fraud. The accused were granted bail of R2,000 each. The matter has been postponed to 21 October 2025 for their first appearance before the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Mmabatho.

Investigations revealed in November 2022, Letlojane allegedly authorised a payment exceeding R49,000 to Sedumedi for an acting allowance. Findings indicate Sedumedi did not perform any duties associated with the acting role, said North West Hawks spokesperson Lt. Col. Tinyiko Mathebula.

This latest case adds to a growing list of corruption allegations involving municipal officials in North West. OFM News previously reported on the arrest of several officials from the Matlosana Municipality in connection with fraud and irregular payments to a service provider, Variegated.

Between September 2023 and January 2024, Matlosana Municipality reportedly paid more than R6 million to Variegated for services that were never rendered. The funds were allegedly laundered through the company’s bank account and distributed among various individuals.

Among the alleged recipients were Vincent Shongwe, who received R241,000, and his spouse, Anga, who received R190,000. Another individual, Mathapelo Puswe, reportedly received R80,000. 

A portion of the illicit funds was allegedly used to purchase a Mercedes-Benz, which has since been seized as part of the ongoing investigations.

‘They were released on R5,000 bail each’

The Shongwes and Puswe were released on R5,000 bail each and appeared in court alongside Matlosana CFO Mercy Phetla, municipality store buyer and controller Mmatebesi Sekhejane, and Variegated director Tisetso Sebetlele. The group faces multiple charges, including fraud, corruption, and money laundering.

Phetla was also arrested in January 2023 on separate corruption charges. Despite her arrest, she had requested not to be suspended from her municipal duties, asserting her presence at work would not interfere with any ongoing investigations.

Matlosana Municipality acknowledged the arrests and said it would monitor the investigation closely. Internal processes are reportedly underway, and further action will be based on the findings.

The original article was updated.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg