Former Acting Municipal Managers Arrested For Alleged Fraud

Former municipal managers Mothusi Oagile (50) and Leopold Letlhogonolo Fourie (53) appeared before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 21 November 2024, for alleged contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act. The pair were arrested earlier in the day by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation.

Allegations Against Municipal Managers

Oagile and Fourie, both former acting municipal managers for the Mamusa Local Municipality, are accused of appointing two security companies without following the necessary supply chain processes.

Reports indicate that Oagile, who served as acting municipal manager from November 2016 to March 2017, appointed Ipelegeng Protection Services to provide security services to Mamusa Local Municipality without adhering to proper procedures. This reportedly resulted in a financial loss of R969,000 for the municipality.

Fourie, who succeeded Oagile from April to May 2017, allegedly terminated the services of Ipelegeng Protection Services and appointed Triumph Security Company without following supply chain processes, leading to an additional loss of R450,000 for the municipality.

Investigation and Court Proceedings

The matter was referred to the Klerksdorp-based Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit for further investigation. The accused appeared in court and were granted bail, with Oagile receiving R6,000 bail and Fourie R3,000 bail. The case has been postponed to 20 February 2025.

Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, the North West Acting Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and Dr. Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, commended the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in combating financial mismanagement in municipalities.

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