Ex-Emadlangeni mayor and accomplice arrested over alleged R2m mall feasibility fraud

Former Emadlangeni mayor Lindile Mhlungu and an alleged accomplice have been arrested and charged after a feasibility study for a proposed mall was paid for but, prosecutors say, never delivered.

Arrests and charges

Members of the Hawks’ Durban Serious Corruption Investigation unit arrested 42-year-old Lindile Mhlungu and 52-year-old Musawenkosi Thwala in Utrecht on 21 July 2026.

Both face charges of fraud, contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and corruption.

Allegations over mall feasibility study

According to police, on 10 July 2019 Mhlungu introduced a service provider to present a feasibility study for the development of a mall in Utrecht and allegedly instructed the former municipal manager to appoint that service provider.

Police say the municipal manager complied and that proper supply chain management processes were not followed. A few weeks later the service provider submitted an invoice of R2 014 250 to Emadlangeni Municipality, a purchase order was created and payment was made.

“However, it is alleged that no work was done and the matter was reported to the Hawks members for thorough investigation,” Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said.

Court appearance and bail

The pair were arrested after members worked together with the National Prosecuting Authority. They briefly appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court and were released on bail. Mhlungu was granted R10 000 bail, and Thwala was granted R2 000 bail. The case was postponed to 1 September 2026.

Provincial police response

“The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan, welcomed the arrest and applauded the members for the good work,” the police said.

The police statement said more arrests are expected.