Third person arrested in R53 million Tshwane metro theft
The 45-year-old man was arrested after he was allegedly linked to the theft of R53 million from the Tshwane metro.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) arrested a third person in connection with a City of Tshwane corruption, fraud and money laundering case.
The 45-year-old man was arrested in Ntunzuma, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday after he was allegedly linked to the theft of R53 million from the metro.
“His arrest bring the suspects to three that have been apprehended thus far,” said Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.
The first accused, Ivo Gunter Wegrostek (62), who was arrested on 18 December 2019, was released on R100 000 bail.
Wegrostek’s case will continue on 21 May in the Specialised Commercial Crime court.
Mulaudzi said the second accused, Nkosinathi Sithole (44), was arrested in Durban on Friday.
“Sithole appeared briefly in the Empangeni magistrate’s court and was remanded in custody pending his next appearance on 11 May at the magistrate’s court in Pretoria,” he said.
The three suspects are accused of stealing R53 million from the municipality’s bank account in 2019. The money was earmarked for the National Fund for Municipality Workers (NFMW).
“It was discovered during investigations that the stolen funds were allegedly laundered from the company SAGOLD (Pty) Ltd into several businesses as well as local and international bank accounts of the first accused’s relatives.”
The National Head of the DPCI Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya applauded the team for their commitment on this matter.
“As I indicated before, all those who participated in the looting shall be held accountable. The good work must continue,” he said.
The third accused is expected to appear in the Ntunzuma magistrate’s court on Tuesday. He will also be remanded to appear on 11 May in Pretoria.
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