A 42-year-old administration officer and his 54-year-old colleague, both employed by the City of Mbombela, are expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 02 June 2026.

Visit extonnews.click for more information.

Members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Nelspruit arrested the two officials for their alleged role in the unlawful sale and purchase of municipal properties.

Investigators say the City Council imposed a moratorium in 2023, banning the sale of municipal properties.

Despite this, the administration officer allegedly used his knowledge of internal processes to bypass the restriction.

Properties allegedly transferred unlawfully

Authorities allege that the officer transferred a house valued at R540 000 to his uncle, a person living with a disability, without his knowledge or consent.

The officer later took control of the property.

He also allegedly benefited from the sale of another property worth R442 000, which he sold to an unsuspecting police official.

In a third case, investigators found that a fellow municipal employee who allegedly knew about the moratorium bought a property valued at R520 000.

The Hawks say evidence suggests that someone forged the Municipal Manager’s signature to process the transactions.

Despite the alleged fraud, officials completed all administrative steps, and the Deeds Office registered the properties, issuing title deeds to the buyers.

Personal gain and fraud warning from authorities

Investigators believe the administration officer used the proceeds for personal enrichment.

Authorities arrested the second employee for allegedly assisting in the scheme and knowingly participating in the unlawful transactions.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks welcomed the arrests and warned public servants against abusing their positions for personal gain.

Leggi l'articolo completo alla fonte

Leggi l'articolo completo alla fonte