A former Emfuleni Local Municipality service provider has appeared in court over charges of fraud, theft, and corruption related to a R16 million fleet tender awarded by the municipality.
Mpho Edward Malema appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court for his first appearance following his arrest by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
“It is alleged that between July 2015 and July 2023, the Emfuleni Local Municipality Fleet Manager, Lerato Selaelo Mpholo, who is Accused 1 in the matter, received payments of R50 000, as well as other undisclosed amounts, from Malema for facilitating and awarding the Emfuleni Local Municipality fleet procurement contracts to Malema and his company.
“Following the awarding of the contracts, the municipality allegedly ordered and paid R16 million to Malema for the procurement of 18 vehicles, including UD trucks and bakkies. However, the vehicles were allegedly never delivered to the municipality. Seven of the vehicles have since been recovered from other entities, the rest of the vehicles are still outstanding,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.
The case has been postponed to 14 September 2026 for formal bail investigations and possible bail application with the State intending to oppose bail. – SAnews.gov.za
