VANDERBIJLPARK – The businessman linked to Emfuleni Local Municipality’s controversial R16m “ghost fleet” tender will spend another week behind bars.

Mpho Malema (40) appeared briefly in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday (September 7) following his arrest last week at a mall in Pretoria.

Malema’s company was contracted by the municipality to supply 18 vehicles, including municipal trucks, but only seven vehicles were delivered.

He faces charges of corruption, fraud and theft.

The case has been postponed to next Monday, when Malema is expected to formally apply for bail.

His arrest follows that of the municipality’s former fleet manager, who is currently out on bail in connection with the same investigation.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the investigation was initially sparked by the murder of Martha Rantsofu in March.

She said the cases being investigated by the PKTT are linked to Rantsofu’s murder.

The investigation into the R16m tender is ongoing.