Court strikes Hawks’ Polokwane gift register bid
The Hawks' urgent application to access the Polokwane Municipality's gift register was struck off the roll, while investigations into alleged corruption continue.
POLOKWANE – The Limpopo High Court: Polokwane Division has struck off the roll an urgent application by the Hawks to access the Polokwane Municipality’s gift register, citing procedural and urgency-related issues rather than the merits of the case.
Judge Jane Ngobeni ruled on Tuesday that the matter was improperly withdrawn without full consent from all respondents, including municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni, the municipality itself, and Mayor John Mpe’s Makoro Foundation.
Advocate Cindy Marais, representing Mpe and the foundation, also raised concerns over the Hawks’ handling of the application’s legal costs, determined without consultation from the respondents in the matter.
The application formed part of the Hawks’ ongoing corruption investigation into the municipality.
Provincial Hawks head Maj Gen (Adv) Gopz Govender confirmed that the probe predates recent media reports and remains active.
While the court dismissed the application, Govender stated the investigation will continue.
The Hawks confirmed late on Tuesday that a new bid to access the gift register will follow.
