Blouberg municipal manager, security company directors face 73 charges over alleged R11m tender fraud
SENWABARWANA – Blouberg Local Municipality Municipal Manager Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala, 57, and two directors of BBT Security Services (Pty) Ltd appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Friday in connection with an alleged fraudulent security services tender worth more than R11 million.
Ramothwala appeared alongside BBT Security Services directors Sello Herlot Mongalo, 37, and Ngoako Nicolas Thoka, 39, following their arrest on 23 September 2026.
The accused are facing a combined 73 charges, including theft, fraud and money laundering.
According to the allegations, Blouberg Local Municipality awarded a security services tender to BBT Security Services in March 2023 after the company allegedly submitted fraudulent tender documents.
The company allegedly failed to meet key technical requirements contained in the tender specifications, including requirements relating to the ownership of firearms needed to provide the contracted security services.
Despite the alleged non-compliance, BBT Security Services continued providing security services to the municipality and allegedly received payments exceeding R11 million over a period of three years.
The matter has raised concerns over the alleged irregular procurement and continued payment of public funds to a service provider that allegedly did not meet the tender requirements.
Ramothwala is also facing an additional charge relating to an alleged contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.
The municipal manager also has a separate pending fraud matter before the Hoedspruit Regional Court, where the trial is scheduled to continue on 16 October 2026.
BBT Security Services and its two directors face charges arising from the alleged fraudulent tender documents, the implementation of the contract and the subsequent payments made under the contract.
The accused did not proceed with a formal bail application on Friday.
The case was postponed to 1 October 2026 for a formal bail application.
The National Prosecuting Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting matters involving alleged fraud, corruption and the misuse of public funds.
