Seven arrested over alleged R1.1m Maruleng municipal fraud - IOL

Seven people are expected to appear in the Hoedspruit Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. It is alleged that Maruleng Local Municipality officials processed building plan applications and diverted client payments into personal bank accounts

Police arrested seven suspects in connection with alleged fraud, corruption, theft and money laundering involving Maruleng Local Municipality in Phalaborwa on Wednesday.

Police said the arrests stemmed from information brought to the authorities' attention on 16 January 2025. It is alleged that municipal officials processed building plan applications and diverted client payments into personal bank accounts instead of the municipality's account.

Police said a preliminary enquiry was subsequently registered and further investigation revealed alleged irregularities and money laundering. Police alleged that the municipality suffered a total loss of R1.1 million.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) conducted the intelligence-driven operation, codenamed Operation Nasi Stocko, with the Mopani District Crime Prevention Unit.

The suspects, aged between 25 and 57, are expected to appear in the Hoedspruit Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Police spokesperson Captain Wendy Nkabi urged the public to continue providing information about suspected acts of corruption or other serious crimes through appropriate law-enforcement channels.

“Such information assists law-enforcement agencies in protecting public resources and ensuring that allegations are properly investigated. More arrests are imminent as the investigation continues,” Nkabi said.

The Provincial Head of the DPCI in Limpopo, Major General Adv Gops Govender, welcomed the arrests and commended the SCI Phalaborwa team and all role players involved for their excellent work in combating corruption.