The DA has welcomed the arrest of a former senior Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) official over alleged tender fraud and corruption involving R16m.

The Political Killings Task Team arrested the 42-year-old former fleet manager in connection with the irregular awarding and implementation of a municipal vehicle fleet contract.

According to a police statement, around R16m was paid to a service provider for 18 municipal vehicles, including UD trucks and bakkies. However, investigations revealed that only seven of the contracted vehicles were ever delivered to the municipality, despite full payment.

Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.

The DA exposed the scandal earlier in the year through its Emfuleni mayoral candidate, Kingsol Chabalala.

Chabalala says, “We are pleased to see that the long arm of the law will come for those who involve themselves in corruption. However, this must not be the end. This official did not act alone, and we call for an expanded operation.”

Chabalala added that court proceedings revealed slain municipality employee Martha Mani Rantsofu was one of the whistleblowers whose actions led to the arrest.

“Shortly after her murder, it was reported that the slain whistleblower lifted the lid on the fraud and corruption involved in this R16m tender fraud case. However, ELM went to great lengths to deny that she had reported this matter to the SAPS.”

Questioning the municipality’s motives, Chabalala suggested this was a deliberate effort to protect political leadership.

“A thorough investigation must take place into all the role players,” Chabalala said.