Articles
Crime & Accidents News
22 July 2024

Rustenburg – Five individuals, including both former municipal employees and company directors, appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 17 July 2024, facing charges of fraud. Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula confirmed the charges against Mpho Alistair Lesolle (41), Johannes Botes Rossouw (58), Pieter Retief Von Wielligh (58), Ntlhayakgosi Michael Mokgwamme (66), and Merika Johannes Madungandaba (66).

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, Rossouw, Von Wielligh, and Madungandaba are directors of Malesela T&D Pty (Ltd). This company allegedly secured a contract with the Rustenburg Local Municipality in 2013 to install a switchgear for the Ikemeleng Bulk Infrastructure. Lesolle and Mokgwamme, former employees of the municipality, were charged with overseeing the project and ensuring that the switchgear was delivered.

Reports indicate that in September 2013, the Municipality paid Malesela’s company over R2 million to install the switchgear as per the contract. However, investigations revealed that the company did not render any service.

Following a thorough investigation, the accused were served with summons between June and July 2024 to appear in court. During their brief court appearance, all five accused were released on warning. The matter has been postponed to 21 August 2024.

Share this article with a friend...