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The Limpopo Serious Corruption Investigation of the Hawks has today, 16 April 2026, arrested.
A 40-year-old former Legal Manager Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality appeared in court on Friday 17 April 2026 in connection with allegations of fraud and corruption.
This after being arrested by the Hawks’ Limpopo Serious Corruption Investigation unit on suspicion he used his position to unlawfully secure a tender for a company that did not even qualify for it.
The authorities believe the suspect, Phumudzo Masutha otherwise known as Zwira and also as Patricia violated laws governing public procurement.
“ It is alleged that between 2016 and 2017, the suspect, while serving as Legal Manager, unlawfully facilitated the appointment of a service provider to supply software known as Ripjar to a municipal crime intelligence division. The allegations suggested that the suspect violated prescripts of the Municipal Finance Management ( MFMA) through the alleged circumvention of the municipality’s procurement procedures.
As a result, the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality is said to have suffered a financial prejudice of approximately R686 000,” said the unit in a statement.
Masutha was granted bail of R10 000 Rand with the case remanded to 21 May 2026.
The statement quotes the Hawks’ acting head in Limpopo Brigadier Lesiba Malapile vowing harsh action against corruption.
“We are unapologetic in pursuing justice.The Hawks will expose, dismantle and bring to book all those who seek to loot state resources,” Malapile said.
