POLOKWANE – Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala confirmed that Hawks officials visited the municipality last Thursday, and says that residents should not be surprised if they return to municipal offices.

Their presence was marked by strong police visibility and a Hawks vehicle parked outside the civic centre.

Videos circulating on social media showed officers going through documents.

Hawks promise return visit as corruption probe continues

Selala said Hawks officials have already indicated they will return to complete their work.

A municipal official, speaking to Polokwane Observer on condition of anonymity, claimed the Hawks requested policy documents from the chief financial officer’s office relating to allegations of political interference.

Selala said the initial visit ended before all requested documents could be compiled and handed over.

“We cooperated without hesitation as we have absolutely nothing to conceal, but they indicated that they would return to continue the process, though without an indication as to when,” he said.

Selala added that it was the Hawks’ responsibility to disclose the nature of the investigation.

‘Sensitive investigation’

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba described the matter as sensitive and said further details would only be disclosed once investigations were complete.

“It is a sensitive investigation that requires protection, though we have an obligation to inform our community,” he said.

Hours after the operation, Fumba confirmed it was a lawful search and seizure linked to an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption and possible financial misconduct.

He cited possible contraventions of:

• The Municipal Finance Management Act
• The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act

By Tuesday, Fumba said there was no new information available.

Separate from previous probes

A senior Hawks official reportedly indicated that the current probe is separate from previous matters involving the municipality.

Some municipal officials, however, felt the operation appeared intended to create a spectacle, citing the number of vehicles present despite no apparent security risk.

Background: Previous investigation

The latest operation follows earlier Hawks investigations into suspected tender irregularities and corruption within the municipality.

In September, Hawks officials conducted a search and seizure operation at municipal offices to secure documents, including:

• Gift registers for 2023/24.
• The personal gift register of the mayor.
• The municipal gift policy.

The mayor’s legal team dismissed the allegations as a political smear campaign.

Investigators were reportedly examining whether the gifts and transactions could amount to fraud or money laundering after whistleblowers released documents reportedly linked to municipal tender processes.

Mayor John Mpe accused political opponents of conducting a smear campaign and successfully halted the release of certain documents in the Limpopo High Court.