All criminal charges against the former Ratlou Local Municipality chief financial officer Tumelo Letlojane (35) and his co-accused, payroll clerk Maikano Keukantseng Sedumedi, have been withdrawn.

Letlojane and Sedumedi (53) appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Mmabatho on Wednesday October 28, where the State formally withdrew the charges.

The legal proceedings began following an arrest by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit on 15 September 2025, leading to a first court appearance on 23 October 2025. The charges in brief were that Letlojane had allegedly appointed Sedumedi as an acting expenditure manager and had authorised payments.

Following a comprehensive assessment of the case file, the prosecution concluded that the charges could not be sustained, resulting in a total withdrawal of the matter.

Letlojane remained out on bail for the entirety of the case and steadfastly maintained his absolute innocence.

The Potchefstroom raised and Ikageng-based Letlojane, who resides on Modiba Street in Ikageng, states that the withdrawal of the case is the first step into clearing his name of wrongdoing.

“Being born and raised in Potchefstroom, my personal integrity, my professional standing as a former municipal CFO, and my deep roots in this community mean everything to me,” Letlojane said in a statement.

“The past year has placed an immense strain on my career and my family, but I am profoundly grateful that the justice system has run its course and my name has been cleared. My focus is now entirely on rebuilding my professional life and moving forward.”