The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit has apprehended a former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality in Christiana for alleged fraudulent activity and violations of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). The 45-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Monday, 4th November 2024, in Heidelberg.
The arrest stems from allegations of improper procurement practices surrounding vehicle rental services arranged for the municipality’s mayor. According to reports, between April and May 2022, the former CFO bypassed essential supply chain protocols by procuring vehicle rental services without securing approval from the municipal manager. The investigation revealed that these actions resulted in financial losses for the municipality, estimated at over R167,000.
The accused is scheduled to appear in the Christiana Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, facing charges of fraud and contraventions of the MFMA.
