SEVEN EMFULENI MUNICIPALITY EMPLOYEES APPEAR IN COURT

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirms the brief appearance of seven Emfuleni Local Municipality employees in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates' Court on charges of fraud, theft amounting to R150 000, money laundering, and tampering with essential infrastructure.

The accused are David Seneekal (31), Caroline Smangele Maduna (39), Kenneth Zongezile Mahobe (35), Hlawutelo Baloyi (29), Pule Meshack Masilo (36), Andries Bafana Maduna (48), and Sibusiso Patrick Tshabalala (46).

It is alleged that between February 2024 and June 2026 when the Emfuleni Municipality would disconnect electricity of businesses and individuals whose accounts were in arrears.

The accused would approach affected business owners and residents and offered to reconnect their electricity supply in exchange for payment. After receiving money from the complainants, they would allegedly unlawfully reconnect the electricity and manipulate records to reflect a reduced amount owing on the affected accounts.

However, in the following months the electrical account would show the initial amount owed as per their initial bill prior to being approached by the accused. Their electricity however would remain connected due to the illegal connection. The complainants reported the matter to the municipality. After internal investigations the municipality reported the matter to the police and the seven accused were arrested on 21 August 2026.

The matter was postponed to 31 August 2026 for a formal bail application. The accused are all remanded in custody.

The NPA remains committed to prosecuting corruption, fraud, and crimes that undermine essential public infrastructure and service delivery. Such offences erode public trust and prejudice communities that rely on municipal services, and the NPA will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible accountable.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria