By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE – Five suspects have appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged R2.3 million fraud involving Polokwane Local Municipality.
The accused, Unkhonto Maropola (36), Kgopotso Maopola (30), Johannes Sathekge (37), Kgaugelo Malebana (32)and Kgopotso Mohlake (35), appeared in court on 15 January 2026.
They were arrested on 13 and 14 January 2026after handing themselves over to the Polokwane-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit.
According to the Hawks, the allegations stem from a 2023 water project tender awarded by Polokwane Local Municipality. Maropola, who was initially involved in facilitating the tender process, was later removed from his responsibilities. It is alleged that thereafter he hired an engineer and created fraudulent documents bearing the company’s logo.
Investigations revealed that Maropola allegedly appointed himself as a director and opened a new bank account in the company’s name. He then submitted the falsified documents to the municipality, which resulted in a payment of more than R2.3 million being deposited into the account.
The affected company later reported the matter to the Hawks, prompting an investigation. Further inquiries revealed that the money was allegedly shared among the engineer and directors of various companies who had not rendered any services.
Through a detailed and thorough investigation, Hawks investigators successfully traced the flow of the money, leading to the arrests.
All five accused were granted bail of R20 000 each, and the matter was postponed to 27 March 2026 for further proceedings.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender, praised the investigating officer for the diligent work that led to the breakthrough in the case.
