Blouberg Municipal Manager Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala at at the recent ANC Limpopo Provincial Conference.
The Municipal Manager of Blouberg Local Municipality, Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala (57), was noticeably absent at the municipality’s 23rd Annual Ward Committees Conference held in his home town of Tzaneen, following his recent arrest by the Hawks.
The high-profile event was attended by senior provincial leaders, including Limpopo CoGHSTA MEC Pule Shayi, along with local councillors, traditional leaders, and municipal representatives. Ramothwala’s absence stood out as colleagues and guests gathered without the top administrative leader present.
Ramothwala appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court alongside Sello Herlot Mongalo (37) and Ngoako Nicolas Thoka (39), directors of BBT Security Services (Pty) Ltd.
The three accused, together with the security company, are facing 73 counts including theft, fraud, and money laundering linked to an alleged illegal security tender.
Municipality Confirms Support for Investigation
In the wake of the court appearance, Blouberg Local Municipality issued an official media statement acknowledging the arrest of its Municipal Manager and the legal action involving the municipal security tender.
The municipality confirmed that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies and the justice system during the ongoing investigation.
“The municipality fully supports law enforcement and maintains a strict zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption,” the statement read. “Because the matter is now before the courts, the municipality will not comment further while legal proceedings continue.”
Local authorities assured members of the public that daily administrative operations and basic service delivery in Blouberg will continue smoothly and without interruption despite the leadership crisis.
Over R11 Million Paid for Non-Compliant Security Tender
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Limpopo Regional Spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, the charges stem from a security tender awarded by the municipality in March 2023.
State prosecutors allege that BBT Security Services (Pty) Ltd submitted fraudulent documents to win the contract. The company failed to meet mandatory technical rules, including owning the necessary firearms needed to secure municipal properties.
Despite failing to meet these basic criteria, the company operated and collected monthly payments for three years, taking in more than R11 million in municipal funds.
In addition to the joint fraud charges, Ramothwala faces an extra charge for allegedly violating the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. He also has another pending fraud trial before the Hoedspruit Regional Court, set to begin on 16 October 2026.
Case Postponed for Bail Hearing
The Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to 01 October 2026 for a formal bail application. Ramothwala and his co-accused will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
The NPA reiterated its commitment to hold public officials accountable and prosecute all cases of corruption, fraud, and financial mismanagement without fear or favour.