Former FTLM MM and CFO appear in court in connection with VBS saga
Nkhono Johannes Mohlala (57), the former municipal manager of FTLM, Tumelo Given Ratau (39), the former chief financial officer at the municipality, and Keaobaka Remigious Kgatiteroe (41), the owner of Kelotlhoko Property Services, appeared in court on Wednesday. They were granted bail of R50 000 each and will reappear on March 1, 2022.
BURGERSFORT – Two former senior managers of Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for their alleged involvement in the VBS saga.
Nkhono Johannes Mohlala (57), the former municipal manager of FTLM, Tumelo Given Ratau (39), the former chief financial officer at the municipality, and Keaobaka Remigious Kgatiteroe (41), the owner of Kelotlhoko Property Services, appeared in court on Wednesday. They were granted bail of R50 000 each and will reappear on March 1, 2022.
“The suspects were arrested by the Hawks on Tuesday morning at their residences in the Pretoria area. “The allegations into this matter were reported and opened for the contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No 56 of 2003) for investing municipal funds with VBS Mutual Bank,” said Hawks spokesperson, Brig Nomthandazo Mbambo.
She said the investigation revealed that the municipality had invested an amount of R230 million which was paid in five trenches from November 15, 2016 to February 19, 2018.
The whole amount invested was never paid back to the municipality.
“The trio appeared on charges of Contravention of Section 173 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No 56 of 2003); corruption; and money laundering,” she concluded.
