NPA SUCCESSFULLY OPPOSES MOGALAKWENA MUNICIPAL MANAGER’S URGENT HIGH COURT APPLICATION

LIMPOPO, POLOKWANE – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed an urgent application brought by the Municipal Manager of Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Morris Maluleke (43), seeking to review the Mokopane Magistrates’ Court’s decision to keep him in custody pending his formal bail application.

The urgent application was heard by the Limpopo High Court sitting in Polokwane on 12 October 2026. Senior State Advocates Martin Molokwane and Freddy Van Der Merwe, together with State Advocate Nkwana, opposed the application, arguing that it was in the interests of justice for the bail proceedings to continue before the Mokopane Magistrates’ Court as scheduled on 16 October 2026.

The High Court upheld the State’s position and dismissed the application.

Maluleke was arrested on 7 October 2026 and is charged together with his company, Bona Cord Vulstasie, in connection with allegations of fraud, corruption and money laundering arising from a municipal fleet management contract.

The charges stem from allegations relating to the administration of a fleet contract at the municipality. 

The State alleges that Maluleke initially approved a fleet contract valued at approximately R4 million and subsequently authorised payments amounting to approximately R24 million in relation to the contract, allegedly resulting in a substantial financial loss to the municipality.

The State further alleges that in December 2022, Maluleke irregularly awarded a R24 million fleet tender to Fleetmove (Pty) Ltd without complying with prescribed Supply Chain Management processes and procedures.

Although payments allegedly commenced in January 2023, the State alleges that services were only rendered between April and May 2023, after the municipality’s Legal Division threatened to terminate the contract.

Investigations further revealed allegations that payments amounting to R230 000, believed by the State to be kickbacks, were made into an account linked to Maluleke through a company of which he is the sole director, and which operates in the fuel supply sector.

The criminal matter was postponed to 16 October 2026 for a formal bail application. Maluleke remains in custody.

The NPA welcomes the dismissal of the urgent application and remains committed to vigorously prosecuting corruption and other serious economic offences. The alleged abuse of public resources undermines service delivery and public confidence in state institutions. The NPA will continue to pursue accountability, without fear, favour, or prejudice, wherever there is sufficient evidence to prosecute.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi

Regional Spokesperson: Limpopo Division

National Prosecuting Authority