ERMELO – Another suspect, Cynthia Makhanye (51) appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on September 7 in connection with fraud, theft and violating the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

This follows after the arrest of the former municipal managers, Theron Zwelishe Shongwe (47), and Thusi Hezekiel Kubheka (65), and former community service manager, Masego Mmabatho Matsheka (51) who also stands accused of similar charges and who appeared in court on August 29.

The suspects were arrested by the Mbombela-based Serious Corruption and Crime Investigation Unit of the Hawks.

The former municipal officials are accused of violating the PFMA between 2014 and 2018 by allegedly selling and swapping property that belonged to the municipality, including a water pump and reservoir that were intended to meet the needs of the community.

Additionally, they allegedly traded higher-valued municipal properties for lower-valued ones to benefit certain individuals.

The Hawks received word of the situation in March 2020 and opened an investigation.

It was determined during the investigation that the necessary procurement procedures were not followed and that the properties sold, belonged to the municipality and was for the benefit of the community.

Bail was set at R5 000 for all three of the accused.

Makhanye was also released on bail of R5 000 and the case which is now joined is postponed to October 6, pending further investigations.