FREE STATE – Five suspects between the ages of 41 and 81 were arrested this morning in Free State and Gauteng Provinces by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team in Free State. Among those arrested include the former HOD of Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and two former Municipal Managers of Lejweleputswa District Municipality.

It is alleged that during the period of January 2008 until December 2010, money was allocated to the Brandfort Museum project popularly known as the Winnie Mandela Museum by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. The money that was allocated was then misused and the service providers were appointed without following the proper procurement processes. The project was coordinated by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and Lejweleputswa District Municipality. As a result of these fraudulent activities the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture suffered a total loss of more than R700 000-00.

The matter was then reported to the Hawks’ for further investigation which culminated to the arrest of the suspects.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Welkom Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, 21 September 2022 where they will be facing charges of fraud, theft, contravention of public finance management act, contravention of municipal finance management act. More arrests are imminent.

Source: South African Police Service