The nine suspects, with Nkangala Mayor Thembi Sarah Masilela (67) as accused number one, appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud and theft.

The other eight accused are:

Gigimani Swartboy Sindane (59), Tebogo Nkamide Matiwane (50), Thembi Ndlovu (50), Given Sipho Jele (33), Simon Prince Msiza (33), Vincent Jabu Sibiya (39), Elvis Sfiso Ntuli (36) and Thabo Wiseman Ntuli (31).

The charges relate to money that was procured to be used for Heritage Day celebrations that allegedly never took place. An amount of R248 000 is involved.

The court granted all the suspects R10 000 bail and the matter was postponed until 10 September for the establishment of a Commercial Crimes Court in Middelburg to where the matter will be transferred.