A SERVICE PROVIDER APPEARS IN COURT IN RELATION TO THE EMFULENI MUNICIPALITY R16 MILLION FRAUD AND CORRUPTION

A director of the company Mabula Forestry and Construction, Mpho Edward Malema (40) appeared at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates' Court for his first appearance.  He is facing a charge of corruption, fraud and theft all worth R16 million. 

It is alleged that between July 2015 and July 2023, the Emfuleni Local Municipality Fleet Manager, Lerato Selaelo Mpholo (45), who is Accused 1 in the matter, received payments of R50 000, as well as other undisclosed amounts, from Malema for facilitating and awarding the Emfuleni Local Municipality fleet procurement contracts to Malema and his company. 

Following the awarding of the contracts, the municipality allegedly ordered and paid R16 million to Malema for the procurement of 18 vehicles, including UD trucks and bakkies. However, the vehicles were allegedly never delivered to the municipality. Seven of the vehicles have since been recovered from other entities, the rest of the vehicles are still outstanding.

In court the matter was postponed to 14 September 2026 for formal bail investigations and possible bail application.  The state intends to oppose his release on bail. 

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria