Hawks Raid Polokwane Municipal Manager’s Office Over R700m Corruption Allegations

The Hawks have raided the office of Polokwane municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni, seizing documents as part of a criminal investigation into corruption allegations worth more than R700 million.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) confirmed on Wednesday that the raid followed a court order issued by the Polokwane High Court.

Court-backed raid

“The action follows a court order granting us permission to obtain information and documents in support of a criminal investigation into an alleged corruption scandal involving municipal principals and officials,” Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said.

She stressed that the Hawks remain committed to accountability and transparency in municipal governance.

Allegations of tender fraud

The investigation stems from claims by whistleblower Thapelo Molepo, who accuses Nemugumoni and executive mayor John Mpe of manipulating tender processes. Molepo, now leading the activist group Concerned Citizens of Polokwane (CCP), alleges that fraudulent tenders were channelled to 28 companies, many linked to associates of the two officials.

Molepo has published documents on social media which he says prove the corruption. The claims surfaced against the backdrop of service delivery failures in Polokwane, including water shortages, power outages, and crumbling roads.

Political fallout

Mpe, who is also the ANC’s regional chairperson in Peter Mokaba, has denied the allegations, calling them a political smear campaign.

Molepo, once an ANC member, was suspended for three years by the party’s disciplinary committee for bringing the ANC into disrepute. The suspension, effective from August 17, 2025, bars him from any ANC activities.

ANC and EFF weigh in

The ANC in Limpopo acknowledged the allegations but urged citizens to submit evidence to law enforcement rather than rely on public accusations.

Opposition party EFF Limpopo welcomed the Hawks’ action. Chairperson Lawrence Mapoulo said the investigation must continue without fear or favour.

“The people of Polokwane continue to suffer shortages of water, potholes, nepotism, jobs for pals, and other shenanigans. No stone must be left unturned,” Mapoulo said.

He accused municipal leaders of enabling illegal electricity practices, unnecessary legal costs, and housing disputes that harm residents.

{Source: IOL}

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