Overview
- Investigators executed searches at municipal offices under a Polokwane Magistrate’s Court order to obtain records linked to alleged corruption.
- The Hawks engaged municipal officials and legal representatives during the operation, and the municipality says it provided the requested documents and is cooperating.
- Authorities have not disclosed the scope or contents of the seized material, and no arrests have been announced.
- A whistle-blower and civic groups cite 28 tenders worth over R724 million and alleged kickbacks via the Makoro Foundation, which Mayor John Mpe has publicly denied.
- Parties and civic groups welcomed the action, urging lifestyle audits, a forensic or SIU probe, and in some cases the resignation of the mayor and municipal manager, while a High Court bid by the pair to limit access to records is postponed to October 2.