| 2025/03/12 |
|
Media Statement NORTHERN CAPE – Kimberley Commercial Crimes court sentenced former Municipal Manager of Karoo Hoogland Municipality to an effective prison sentence. Mr Nothnagel was charged with theft and contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). The former Municipal Manager, Mr Louis Nothnagel (63) was found guilty on 16 July 2024, and sentenced yesterday, 11 March 2025. He was charged alongside former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who passed on shortly after being arrested in February 2013. The former Municipal Manager and the CFO colluded and paid each other performance bonuses while at the Municipality, without the necessary council approvals and in contravention of applicable regulations. Arina Botha (53), the wife of the deceased CFO, was found guilty on the alternative count of theft as charged in count 2 to 26, as well as money laundering as per count 27 to 52. She was sentenced to 5 years direct imprisonment and she was further ordered to pay R200 000 back to the state. Accused 1, Louis Nothnagel was found guilty on count 1 to 26 of fraud, 53 counts of theft in contravention of local government MFMA of 2003. He was sentenced to a 4 year direct imprisonment and ordered to pay back R500 000 to the state. The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Northern Cape Major General Stephen Mabuela commended the work of his members and the prosecution. “Local government corruption has to be arrested at some stage, this conviction sends the right message,” he said Ends
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService |
|
|
