Two City of Mbombela (CoM) employees appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court earlier today (June 2) after they were arrested by the Hawks for their alleged involvement in the unlawful sale of municipal properties.

Lowvelder reports that administration officer Sibusiso Dube (42) and his colleague Mandla Shongwe (54) were arrested yesterday (June 1) by the Hawks’ Mbombela-based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit.

According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the city council implemented a moratorium in 2023 prohibiting the sale of municipal properties.

Despite this, Dube is accused of unlawfully transferring ownership of a municipal house valued at R540 000 to his uncle. The uncle, who reportedly lives with a disability and has extensive knowledge of the municipality’s property sales processes, allegedly did so without his knowledge or consent.

Investigators further alleged that Dube benefited from the sale of another municipal property valued at R442 000, which was sold to a police officer who was allegedly unaware of the irregular circumstances surrounding the transaction.

A third property, valued at R520 000, was sold to a fellow municipal employee who is said to have been aware of the moratorium on municipal property sales.

The Hawks also alleged that the municipal manager’s signature was forged to facilitate the transactions.

“The property sales were successfully registered with the Deeds Office, resulting in title deeds being issued to the purchasers,” Nkosi said. He added that the proceeds from the transactions were allegedly used for Dube’s personal enrichment.

Shongwe was arrested for allegedly acting as an accomplice, with investigators claiming he had knowledge that the transactions were unlawful.

The matter was postponed to Friday (June 5) for legal representation ahead of a formal bail application.

CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala said the municipality would not be commenting on the matter.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.