Deputy chief director in the public works department in Mpumalanga Sipho Ronny Monareng was among six suppliers and officials arrested by the Hawks for corruption.
The Hawks in Mpumalanga have arrested officials from the Department of Public Works and their business associates for corruption, fraud, and money laundering.Â
The six appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.Â
The officials are deputy chief director Sipho Ronny Monareng, Macdonald Boto Sigudla, state accountant Bandile Jacob Ngcebo and their business associates Maganeleng Antony Mashego, Whisky Delisa Khumalo, and Tshidi Suzen Sedibe.Â
Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said the group allegedly siphoned R1.38 million from the department in Mpumalanga last year.
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“It is alleged that during the Covid-19 pandemic, Monareng colluded with the company directors who misrepresented and submitted claims to the Department of Public Works for the services which were never rendered, thus prejudicing the department with an amount of R1.38 million.
“The scope of corruption expanded to other officials and company directors who benefitted,” added Sekgotodi.Â
The Hawks launched an investigation after receiving a complaint in November last year.Â
It is alleged Monareng was the kingpin who facilitated the irregular payments.Â
The accused were each released on R10 000 bail and will return to court on 2 November.
Sekgotodi said more arrests were imminent.Â
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