MOKOPANE: The State has been granted a seven-day postponement to investigate whether suspended Mogalakwena Local Municipality Municipal Manager Morris Maluleka should be released on bail following his arrest by the Hawks on Wednesday.

Maluleka appeared before the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where the State successfully applied for a postponement of his bail application to allow investigators to conduct a thorough bail investigation.

The State’s application for the joinder of the accused and their associated business entities was also granted by the court.

Maluleka made his first court appearance following his arrest by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in connection with alleged fraud and corruption relating to an unauthorised municipal fleet tender valued at R24 million.

The state said so far, Maluleka faces 24 charges and additional will be attended soon.

During Friday’s proceedings, the State argued that Maluleka’s circumstances required further investigation to establish whether he would stand trial if released on bail.

The prosecution said it wants to assess factors relevant to the accused possible release, including whether there is a risk that he could evade trial.

Maluleka, who reportedly resides in Montana, Pretoria, remains in custody pending the outcome of the bail proceedings.

The defence attempt to opposed the State’s request for a seven-day postponement, arguing that Chantel Laschmer had previously been granted bail facing similar charges, fell on deaf ears.

The case returns to the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on 16 October 2026, when the bail proceedings are expected to continue.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content