Police Arrest Two Directors In Connection With Bojanala Platinum Municipality Fraud Scandal

Police have arrested two company directors in connection with the R25 million Bojanala Platinum District Municipality fraud scandal.

The recent arrest have escalated the investigation that has already seen five other arrested.

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Esther Malesa, 45, the director of Kea’s Project, and Moses Malesa, 53, the director of Marole Nameng Trading Enterprise, were taken into custody by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.

The pair were granted bail following their court appearance at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court, with Esther receiving R100,000 and Moses R50,000.

Money Laundering Scheme Exposed

The fraud case, involving elaborate money laundering schemes and payments for non-existent services, dates back to a period between December 2018 and May 2019.

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According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, the scheme was orchestrated by Leslina Olga Ndlovu, the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality.

He disclosed that the former CFO, carried out the fraud in collaboration with Esther Malesa.

Investigators allege that Ndlovu facilitated unauthorized payments to Malesa’s company, Kea’s Project, which was not registered on the municipality’s list of approved service providers.

Despite this, the company was paid for services that were never rendered, with over R25 million allegedly funneled into Malesa’s bank account.

Fraud And Money Laundering Charges

One of the arrested persons, Esther Malesa is facing serious charges, including 53 counts of fraud, 84 counts of money laundering, and three counts of corruption.

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Moses Malesa is also charged with seven counts of money laundering.

The investigation has revealed that funds from the fraudulent payments were then distributed across various bank accounts, with over R2 million allegedly transferred to Ndlovu’s company, Mahle Supply.

Other accused individuals, including former municipal officials, are also facing criminal charges.

Patrick Tlhapi, the former Chief Whip at the municipality, is accused of receiving R150,000, while Gontse Kekana, the secretary to the former municipal manager, allegedly benefited by R850,000.

The arrested persons will appear in court again on July 2, for further investigation.

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