Jessie Sasane Mmutle, 37, and Bonolo Aubrey Monnapula Loabile, 37, were arrested on Monday (12/10) by members of the Mmabatho-based serious commercial crime investigation unit following an investigation into alleged fraud dating back to 2019.

Hawks spokesperson WO Nkosinathi Ndlovu said the employees of Dr Segomotsi Mompati district municipality’s sports and recreation department allegedly requested financial support from the municipality. They said they wanted to participate in a South African Municipal Sports and Recreation Association event held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The municipality reportedly approved the request and paid R118,190 into a bank account for which the accused were signatories.

It is alleged that the accused withdrew R5,000 for personal use, while initial investigations reportedly revealed the R118,190 was transferred into their personal bank accounts.

Ndlovu said the two employees had applied for the funding because they were attached to the department. The municipality allegedly requested invoices from the employees to account for the money, but did not receive them. The municipality then conducted an internal audit to establish how the funds had been used.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Hawks for investigation. The two employees were arrested and charged with fraud and theft following an investigation by unit.

Their case was postponed to 20 November for a further appearance in the specialised commercial crime court sitting in Vryburg.

Ndlovu said at this stage they are not certain if any amount has been recovered. “Investigation is continuing and a further update on this matter will be obtained at the next court date.”

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