FREE STATE, South Africa — Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation detectives have arrested Futhulu Patrick Mothamaha, former municipal manager of Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality, and Lelokonyane Isak Letseng, director of Lesedi Khanya Energy, in connection with alleged fraud, theft, money laundering, and contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
The arrests relate to a 2021 electricity transformer tender. Lesedi Khanya Energy was awarded a R1.9 million contract to install transformers in the municipality. However, the transformers were never delivered, despite full payment being made.
Investigators found that Letseng submitted a R1.9 million invoice authorized by Mothamaha in his capacity as municipal manager. The municipality paid the amount, resulting in significant financial losses.
Both suspects were arrested on November 18 and appeared before the Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court, where they were granted R10,000 bail each. The case has been postponed to 22 January 2026 for further proceedings.
The Hawks emphasized that this arrest is part of ongoing efforts to combat municipal corruption and hold accountable officials who exploit public office for personal gain. The case highlights the recurring issue of tender fraud in South African municipalities, which deprives communities of essential services while enriching corrupt officials and accomplices.
