LIMPOPO – A Limpopo municipal councillor accused of attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigator has been rearrested on a separate outstanding warrant linked to a fraud-related case.

According to the SIU, Thulamela Municipality councillor Netshivhumbe Gumani was arrested by Makhado police on Monday shortly after being granted R10 000 bail in the alleged bribery matter, which was heard in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng.

Warrant for theft by false pretence

The SIU said Gumani was taken into custody on an outstanding Makhado warrant for theft by false pretence.

The case relates to allegations that he obtained money from several businesspeople in Limpopo to fund political activities associated with a 2014 youth league conference held in the Sekhukhune District.

Gumani is expected to appear in court again on September 18, 2026.

The bribery allegations

The rearrest comes as he faces separate allegations of attempting to influence an ongoing SIU investigation into tender-related matters at Mahikeng Local Municipality.

The SIU alleges that Gumani offered a senior investigator R70,000 in an effort to interfere with the investigation. According to the unit, he was allegedly acting on behalf of Anacot Trading, a company linked to financial transactions involving municipal contracts.

R28 million transfer under scrutiny

Investigators found that a service provider appointed by the municipality received about R179 million under two lease agreements. The SIU said that shortly after the payment was made, R28 million was transferred to Anacot Trading, which is owned by Shahzaad Mohamed Hussein.

The unit further alleged that when Hussein was asked to account for the R28 million payment, he sent Gumani to engage with investigators and attempt to influence the direction of the probe.

SIU: ‘We will not be deterred’

Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho said the organisation remains confident in its case against Gumani.

“The alleged attempt to bribe an SIU investigator is a serious attack on the integrity of South Africa’s justice system and on the fight against corruption. No amount of intimidation or inducement will deter the SIU from fulfilling its mandate.”