The Chief Financial Officer of Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality being arrested for tender corruption
The Chief Financial Officer of Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality has been arrested for alleged tender corruption.
A 33-year- old suspect was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members in Polokwane on Saturday 21 January 2023.
The complainant who is a businessman reported that he had applied for a tender that was advertised by the municipality to provide road construction machines.
While waiting for the announcement of the winner of the tender, the complainant allegedly received a call from someone who claimed to be from Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality and requested to meet with him in Lebowakgomo at the municipal offices to discuss about the tender that he had applied for.
The meeting was allegedly held with one of the municipal senior officials and the complainant was told his company got the tender but he had to pay R30 000 gratification.
The matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members based in Polokwane, and subsequently an undercover operation was conducted.
The suspect met with the complainant in her vehicle near a restaurant in Polokwane Central Business District and the money was allegedly paid.
Although she attempted to flee when she saw the Hawks members, her attempt was futile as she was chased, cornered and arrested before she could disappear in the streets of Polokwane.
The money that she had received as well as the vehicle that was used during the commission of the alleged offence were confiscated.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 January 2023.