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Hawks Raid Matatiele Municipality Offices in Investigation of Alleged Tender Irregularities

In a significant development, the Serious Crime Investigative Unit, known as the Hawks, conducted a raid on the offices at the Matatiele Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The operation took place today, with Hawks
members arriving in five vehicles and focusing their attention on the office of the Municipal Manager.

Eastern Cape spokesperson, Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said, the Hawks were on a mission to obtain tender documents related to the electrification of specific wards in Matatiele. The targeted tender, executed between 2020 and 2022, pertains to the villages of Mkhemane and Phalane. The Hawks received a tip from an anonymous source citing irregularities in the tender process, raising concerns of potential fraud and corruption.

During the raid, the Hawks, accompanied by the Municipal Manager& Personal Assistant, were directed to the Budget and Treasury Offices. There, they met with Chief Financial Officer Khaluwe Mehlomakhulu and
spent approximately two hours scrutinizing relevant documents.

This investigative move follows a series of allegations earlier this year involving Councillor Mzwamandla Nyemebezi, who was accused of benefiting from municipal tenders worth over R3 million. MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, initiated an investigation into claims that Councillor Nyemebezi& company, Mzomhle Trading, was irregularly appointed as a subcontractor to Thathe Electrical.

MEC Williams stated that the anonymous informant alleged the municipality’s irregular appointment of Councillor Nyemebezi’s company, strategically manipulating the tender process. The investigation further
revealed claims that the tender was not advertised, heightening suspicions of impropriety.

Hawks Spokesperson Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana emphasized that the office raid marked the beginning of a thorough investigation into potential criminal offenses. “We are going to analyze the documents, then move to the next
step depending on evidence found," concluded Mhlakuvana. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the implicated parties and shed light on the alleged irregularities in the Matatiele
municipality tender processes.”

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