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In a case that underscores the ongoing challenges of financial governance within South African local municipalities, two former acting municipal managers from the Mamusa Local Municipality in North West Province faced significant legal scrutiny. Mothusi Oagile, aged 50, and Leopold Letlhogonolo Fourie, aged 53, stood before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrates' Court on 21 November 2024, faced with allegations of contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
The arrests, carried out by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, mark a critical step in addressing suspected administrative malfeasances within the municipality's leadership. According to official reports, both individuals were involved in questionable procurement practices related to municipal security services.
Mothusi Oagile, who served as the acting municipal manager from November 2016 to March 2017, allegedly bypassed standard procurement procedures to award a security contract to Ipelegeng Protection Services. The failure to adhere to established protocols reportedly led to the Mamusa Local Municipality incurring a financial loss of approximately R969,000.
Following in Oagile’s footsteps, Leopold Letlhogonolo Fourie assumed the role from April to May 2017 and made a similarly controversial decision. Reports indicate that Fourie terminated Ipelegeng Protection Services' contract and selected Triumph Security Company without following the necessary supply chain processes. This act resulted in an additional loss of R450,000 to the municipality.
Given the extent and nature of the allegations, the matter attracted the attention of the Klerksdorp-based Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit, leading to the subsequent legal actions. The pivotal court appearance on Thursday resulted in both Oagile and Fourie being granted bail—R6,000 for Oagile and R3,000 for Fourie—with the proceedings set to resume on 20 February 2025.
This development has been commended by the North West Acting Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr. Rachel Makhari. Both officials praised the investigative and prosecutorial efforts, viewing them as integral to combating the mismanagement of municipal finances—a sentiment reflecting broader concerns over administrative integrity within local governments across South Africa.
As the case continues to unfold, it serves as a pertinent reminder of the rigorous oversight required to safeguard public funds and maintain trust in municipal governance.