The case against the former acting municipal manager at Mafube Local Municipality in the Free State who appeared before the Bethlehem Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for charges of corruption and fraud, has been postponed.

According to Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, the accused – Nkabi Andre Hlubi (45) – was released on R3 000 bail and the case was postponed for further investigation.

As stated by Matoti, Hlubi’s arrest happened on the morning of April 17, by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Bethlehem.

“It is alleged that in February 2017, Hlubi verbally instructed the former chief financial officer not to bank the daily cash received at the municipality but rather utilise it on daily municipal operations.

“The former CFO requested Hlubi to issue the instruction in writing but he refused and said that he will take accountability should a query arise from the auditors.”

According to Matoti, a total amount of R116 000 was queried and could not be accounted for.

The accused is expected to appear before the court again on 3 May.