Former Jozini mayor appears in court

Former mayor of Jozini, Bethuel Mthethwa (56) made a brief appearance in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Friday relating to fraud and corruption that occurred at Jozini Municipality under his watch.

It is alleged that the former municipal manager, Lonwabo Maka (57), created a need for a youth upliftment programme called the ‘Joy’ project.

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A payment of R5-million was made to a company called Njabulo Landman Construction and Mining, owned by Mandlenkosi Matutu (43).

Maka is alleged to have used his position of authority and compelled employees in the finance department to make the payment knowing it was unlawful to do so as there were no services rendered.

A case of fraud was reported at Jozini Police Station and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks members from Durban Serious Corruption Investigation.

Maka and Matutu were arrested in September 2022. They were released on R10 000 bail each and Mthethwa was released on R10 000 bail on Friday.

All three are set to appear in the same court on 30 May. More arrests are expected.

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