Following the arrests of 27 people in connection with the VBS Mutual bank scandal in 2018, the Hawks have indicated that more arrests are imminent.

These may include mayors, municipal managers and chief financial officers of municipalities that were involved with the almost R2bn bank heist. Madibeng was one of the 14 municipalities that invested funds with VBS.

Madibeng invested R60m with VBS and lost R30m. It invested the money in contravention of the treasury’s Municipal Finance Management Act. Three municipal officials were suspended at the time.

A total of 27 suspects, facing more than 188 charges of corruption, are scheduled to appear in court for the VBS trial starting in October. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) national head Lt-Gen Godfrey Lebeya, said last week more suspects are expected to be arrested during the course of the ongoing investigation.

Public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane ordered the municipality in July last year to implement her remedial actions within 90 days. This included the disciplinary actions against municipal officials and councillors involved in the investment. The Public Protector said the investments were made in violation of the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA), and that the conduct of municipalities was improper and constitutes maladministration. It is not know whether the actions were implemented.