MPUMALANGA – The Department of Public Works officials; Deputy Chief Director, Sipho Ronny Monareng (50); an official, Magdonald Boto Sigudla (43); a State Accountant, Bandile Jacob Ngcebo Official (41) and suppliers; Maganeleng Antony Mashego (43), Whisky Delisa Khumalo (45) as well as Tshidi Suzen Sedibe (43) appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 28 September 2022 after they were arrested by the Hawks’ Nelspruit based Serious Corruption Investigation on the same day for corruption, fraud and money laundering.

It is alleged that during the Covid-19 pandemic, Monareng colluded with the company directors who made misrepresentation and submitted claims to the Department of Public Works for the services which were never rendered thus prejudiced the department an amount of R1.38 million. The scope of corruption expanded to other officials and company directors who also benefitted.

The matter was reported to the Hawks in November 2021 for further probe. During further investigation, it was established that Monareng facilitated the whole processes. The case was finalised and handed over to court who issued warrants for their arrests hence their appearance before court.

The accused were granted R10 000 bail each and the case was postponed to 2 November 2022 for further investigation. More arrests are imminent.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Zodwa Mokoena acclaimed the speedily finalisation of the investigation.

Source: South African Police Service