HOEDSPRUIT – A fraud case involving Blouberg Local Municipality municipal manager Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala is currently being heard in the Hoedspruit Regional Court and will resume on October 16.

He has now also appeared in court in a new case involving an alleged security tender worth more than R11m. Ramothwala, 57, appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Friday, September 25, alongside BBT Security Services (Pty) Ltd directors Sello Herlot Mongalo, 37, and Ngoako Nicolas Thoka, 39.

The three were arrested on September 23 following an investigation into the awarding and implementation of a municipal security services tender.

Case adds to existing proceedings

The latest case adds to Ramothwala’s existing legal proceedings in Hoedspruit, where his separate fraud matter is scheduled to proceed next month.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the pending Hoedspruit case when announcing the latest charges.

Alleged irregularities in security tender

The new charges stem from a security services tender awarded by Blouberg Local Municipality to BBT Security Services in March 2023.

According to the NPA, BBT allegedly submitted fraudulent tender documents and failed to meet key technical requirements set out in the tender specifications, including requirements relating to the ownership of firearms needed to provide the contracted security services.

Despite the alleged non-compliance, BBT continued providing security services to the municipality for approximately three years and received payments exceeding R11m, the NPA said.

3 accused face 73 charges

Ramothwala, Mongalo and Thoka are collectively facing 73 charges, including theft, fraud and money laundering.

Ramothwala faces an additional charge relating to the alleged contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003, while BBT Security Services and its two directors face charges arising from the alleged irregular awarding and implementation of the tender.

Bail application postponed

The accused did not proceed with a formal bail application during their first appearance.

The matter was postponed to October 1 for a formal bail application.

Two court cases in coming weeks

The latest proceedings place Ramothwala before two courts in separate fraud matters within the coming weeks.

The NPA said it remains committed to pursuing cases involving alleged fraud, corruption and the misuse of public funds without fear, favour or prejudice.

All allegations remain allegations, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.