Gauteng police have confirmed the R16m tender fraud case involving the municipality originated from complaints lodged by slain municipal accountant and whistleblower Martha Mani Rantsofu shortly before her murder. The municipality repeatedly denied that Rantsofu had exposed alleged corruption surrounding the procurement of 18 municipal vehicles.

Rantsofu, 39, was gunned down in broad daylight at a tyre fitment centre in Vanderbijlpark in April. CCTV footage captured an armed man approaching her from behind before opening fire and fleeing the scene. 

Former fleet manager in court

Former Emfuleni fleet manager Lerato Mpholo, 42, appeared briefly in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday (20/7) after his arrest by the Gauteng PKTT. He faces charges of fraud, corruption and theft. His case was postponed to Monday (27/7) for a formal bail application.

“Martha Rantsofu reported several irregularities to police in March, and this vehicle procurement matter was one of them,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk. “Sadly, just days after making those reports, she was murdered.

“Our investigators have located four of the missing vehicles, which are registered to other entities. We are still working to determine what happened to the remaining vehicles as part of the ongoing investigation.

“The Gauteng PKTT followed up on the complaints that had been reported to police and, through meticulous investigative work, linked the former fleet manager to the alleged tender fraud.”

A forensic audit completed in February identified Mpholo as a central figure in alleged procurement irregularities, including bypassing supply chain management processes, colluding with suppliers and pressuring municipal officials during the procurement process.

Invoices were signed confirming delivery of all 18 vehicles despite only seven trucks having been delivered, according to the report. Mpholo’s former assistant, Levy Hlalele, allegedly signed as the receiving official for all the vehicles even though eleven had not been delivered. He is suspended.

The audit found the municipality suffered losses exceeding R16m, including payments for undelivered trucks, allegedly inflated grader prices and warranty packages for machinery that reportedly failed shortly after delivery.

“We demand a thorough investigation into everyone involved in this alleged corruption, including municipal officials, politicians and the service provider,” said Emfuleni DA mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala. “Those found responsible must face disciplinary action, criminal prosecution and be held fully accountable.

“The municipality's attempts to distance itself from Martha Rantsofu’s disclosures raise serious questions. We believe every effort must be made to uncover the full truth and ensure justice is served.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvdw

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