Hawks intensify fight against municipal corruption in Limpopo
The Hawks in Limpopo have intensified their crackdown on alleged corruption in local municipalities following the arrest of seven suspects linked to alleged fraud, corruption, theft and money laundering involving the Maruleng Local Municipality.
The suspects, aged between 25 and 57, are expected to appear before the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, following their arrests on Wednesday, 23 September.
The arrests were carried out by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) Phalaborwa during an intelligence-driven operation dubbed Operation Nasi Stocko, conducted jointly with the Mopani District Crime Prevention team.
The investigation follows information received by authorities on 16 January 2025 alleging that municipal officials were processing building plan applications and diverting payments made by clients into personal bank accounts instead of the municipality’s official account.
According to the Hawks, a preliminary enquiry was subsequently registered, with further investigation uncovering alleged irregularities and money-laundering activities.
The investigation has allegedly established that the municipality suffered a financial loss of R1 160 844.94.
The latest arrests come as the Hawks SCI Phalaborwa continues to pursue several high-profile corruption and financial-crime investigations in Limpopo.
The unit is led by Colonel Daniel Makuwa, whose was previous lead investigator in the investigation into the alleged R6 million Mathabatha Estate fraud and money-laundering matter involving suspended attorney Charlotte Tibana, TMPD Constable Peter Nonyane, Rirhandzu Tibana and Jabulani Maluleke.
The Hawks have warned that the Maruleng investigation is not yet concluded, with more arrests expected as investigations continue.
Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Limpopo, Major General Adv Gops Govender, welcomed the arrests and commended the SCI Phalaborwa team and other role players involved in the operation.
Govender said the arrests demonstrate the Hawks’ continued efforts to combat corruption and protect public resources.
Members of the public have also been encouraged to provide information relating to suspected corruption and other serious crimes through appropriate law-enforcement channels.
The Hawks said information from the public remains important in assisting law-enforcement agencies to investigate allegations of corruption and ensure that public resources are protected.
