The acting mayor of the Dihlabeng Municipality in Bethlehem and the former municipal manager will reappear in the Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court in August on various charges of fraud and corruption.
The 43-year-old Tseki James Tseki, acting mayor, and the 57-year-old Busa Petrus Molatseli, former municipal manager, were taken into custody by the Hawks on 12 June.
They subsequently appeared in the local magistrates’ court on charges of corruption, fraud, money laundering, theft, and violation of the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA).
A warrant for the arrest of both Tseki and Molatseli was issued in May after the Hawks had launched an investigation into irregularities regarding salaries that had been paid to Molatseli.
Apparently, this happened during Molatseli’s suspension due to a separate criminal case against him. It seems that he submitted a memorandum to Tseki, requesting that his salary be paid during his suspension.
It was found that Tseki had approved and signed the salary payments without the municipal council’s approval.
An amount of R250 000 was paid to Molatseli.
Eric Motloung, DA councillor, says the DA called for the investigation and provided evidence to the Hawks through a DA member of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).
Motloung emphasises that the DA remains committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to combat corruption and maladministration.
“We will continue to advocate for good governance and accountability in Dihlabeng,” he says.
“To this end, we will write to Speaker Nthabeleng Mofokeng, urging an urgent council meeting in line with the code of conduct for councillors.”
Tseki and Molatseli were both released on bail of R5 000.
The duo are expected to make another appearance in the Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court on 10 August.
