Two men, including a Member of Parliament representing the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, have been arrested in connection with alleged corruption involving more than R1.6 million at the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
Mandlenkosi James Matutu and municipal official Thembelani Ngceba were arrested on Tuesday in Barkly East by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
Hawks spokesperson Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the Komani-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, working alongside the National Prosecuting Authority, carried out the arrests as part of an ongoing investigation into complex financial crimes.
According to Mhlakuvana, the arrests represent a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat corruption and financial misconduct in the region.
Matutu, a member of parliament aligned with former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party, is also the sole director of Vukabalele Trading CC and Zim-Zet Trading (Pty) Ltd. Ngceba is employed as a water supply manager at the municipality.
The pair appeared before the Barkly East Magistrate’s Court on the day of their arrest, where they were each granted bail of R5,000.
The matter has been postponed to May 5, 2026, to allow for the appointment of legal representation and further investigations.
They face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.
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