Hawks arrest suspect in R45m Mogalakwena municipal tender probe in Gauteng
GAUTENG: The Hawks have arrested a 37-year-old suspect in connection with an investigation into alleged fraud, corruption and money laundering involving a R45 million fleet management tender at Mogalakwena Local Municipality.
The suspect was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team in Johannesburg and booked at the Brooklyn police station in order to be handed over to the Limpopo Hawks.
This following an extensive investigation into the tender, which was advertised and awarded by the municipality in 2022.
According to the Hawks, preliminary findings indicate that the procurement process may not have been conducted in accordance with prescribed procedures.
Investigators are now following the money trail and examining the involvement of individuals and private entities allegedly linked to the tender.
The investigation is probing possible financial prejudice suffered by the municipality, estimated at approximately R45 million.
The Hawks said a legal entity allegedly linked to the arrested suspect has also been identified as part of the investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday ( 17 September2026)
The law enforcement agency warned that the investigation remains ongoing, with more arrests expected as investigators pursue outstanding leads and examine evidence uncovered during the probe.
Members of the public with information that could assist the investigation have been urged to come forward.
The Hawks said information would be treated confidentially, subject to the applicable legal framework.
Limpopo Hawks Provincial Head Major General (Adv.) Gopz Govender said the arrest demonstrated the law enforcement agency’s commitment to protecting public resources.
“Every rand entrusted to a municipality carries the hopes and needs of the people it is meant to serve. When that trust is allegedly betrayed, the Hawks will not look away,” Govender said.
“We will follow the evidence, follow the money and follow every lead, regardless of where it takes us. Those who have abused public resources must know that the law has a long reach. We will act without fear or favour, firmly, professionally and within the law.”
