A service provider has appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court in connection with an alleged R16 million fraud, corruption and theft case involving the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
Mpho Edward Malema, 40, a director of Mabula Forestry and Construction, made his first court appearance on charges of corruption, fraud and theft.
According to Lumka Mahanjana, NPA Pretoria spokesperson, the alleged offences took place between July 2015 and July 2023.
Malema is accused of paying Emfuleni Local Municipality fleet manager Lerato Selaelo Mpholo, 45, who is accused 1 in the matter, R50,000 as well as other undisclosed amounts.
The payments were allegedly made in exchange for Mpholo facilitating and awarding fleet procurement contracts to Malema and his company.
Following the awarding of the contracts, the municipality allegedly ordered and paid Malema R16 million for the procurement of 18 vehicles, including UD trucks and bakkies.
However, the vehicles were allegedly never delivered to the municipality.
Mahanjana said seven of the vehicles have since been recovered from other entities, while the remaining vehicles are still outstanding.
The matter was postponed to 14 September 2026 for formal bail application.
“The State intends to oppose his release on bail,” said Mahanjana.
