The Thulamela Municipality in Limpopo is optimistic that the Hawks’ investigation into the alleged irregular awarding of a R61 million road tender will bring much-needed clarity. The Hawks confiscated electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones, from senior municipal officials, including the manager Masala Makumule, on Tuesday.
Thulamela municipal spokesperson Nndwamato Tshiila says they only received an R35 million relief fund from the National Treasury and not R61 million as it is reported.
Tshiila says they are cooperating with the Hawks.
“All of our officials are at work and they are ready to cooperate with the law enforcement agency. Initially, there were reports that we received R61 million, but that was just a rumor. Up to this point, the national department has only given us R35 million because it is a multi-year project.”
Provincial Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa says their investigation is making good progress.
“We have seized electronic devices that will help us investigate the alleged fraud and corruption. The devices include laptops and external drives. While we are still investigating, we cannot determine how much money will be uncovered. Currently, no arrests have been made, but if our investigation leads to any arrests, they will be carried out,” adds Mmuroa.