A search and seizure operation by the Hawks at the Polokwane Municipality has drawn strong reactions from political parties, with the DA, ActionSA and EFF Limpopo welcoming the move, while the municipality insists it was not a ‘raid’ and that the executive mayor’s office was not targeted.

Polokwane Review reports that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation confirmed that the operation was carried out at the office of Municipal Manager Thuso Nemugumoni following a court order granted by the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.

In a statement, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the warrant authorised investigators to obtain documents in support of a criminal probe into alleged corruption.

The Hawks have remained tight-lipped on the details of the investigation.

Political parties react

The EFF in Limpopo welcomed the operation, calling it a long-overdue step in tackling what they described as ‘deep rot’ in Polokwane Municipality.

The party alleged links to multimillion-rand corruption tied to tender kickbacks, vowing to continue exposing wrongdoing.

In his statement, the provincial chairperson, Lawrence Mapoulo, also alleged that mayor John Mpe and Nemugumoni sought court relief in an attempt to stop submissions of the required documents.

“No stone must be left unturned. The people of Polokwane continue to suffer from water shortages, potholes… and many other shenanigans. The Hawks must keep up the good work. They must follow up on corruption wherever it exists without fear or favour and the perpetrators must be arrested,” his statement read.

The DA said the ‘raid’ followed whistleblower information received less than two months ago about 28 tenders totalling R724m, allegedly linked to senior municipal officials.

“In light of what the president said at the ANC ‘roll call’ event on Monday, we challenge the ANC-led administration to put to practice the words uttered about accountability and initiate a full forensic investigation to determine the credibility of the alleged links. Further to this we challenge the mayor and all senior officials to declare their gift registers since they have held office and undergo a full lifestyle audit,” said Jacques Joubert, DA Spokesperson on finance in the Polokwane Municipality.

Joubert added that should a special council not be called within seven days to enact the above, the DA in Polokwane will submit a motion to council.

“Accountability and transparency, especially in the light of the allegations and Hawks raid, are non-negotiable. The people of Polokwane deserve a municipality that is free of corruption and governed by integrity. The DA will not rest until these allegations are properly investigated and those found guilty face the full consequences of the law,” he said.

ActionSA also applauded the Hawks, noting the party had previously laid a criminal complaint against Mayor Mpe and other officials.

Limpopo chairperson Victor Mothemela said the development was a ‘crucial step’ in uncovering alleged tender irregularities dating back to 2023, and urged investigators to pursue the case thoroughly and impartially.

“The recent actions by the Hawks, including obtaining a High Court order for the investigation, indicate a significant shift and commitment to thoroughly examining allegations. This is a welcome development for ActionSA, as it aligns with our unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that public funds are utilised for the benefit of all citizens, not for the enrichment of a select few,” he said.

Municipality disputes ‘raid’ claims

Meanwhile, the Polokwane Municipality once again dismissed claims of a raid.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala said the Hawks formally requested documents, which were prepared and handed over by the administration.

He stressed that the executive mayor’s office was not visited and that the requested documents were not linked to multimillion-rand tenders, contrary to reports in the media.

Selala added that the municipality has proactively opened cases on material irregularities in the past and will release reports once investigations conclude.

“Polokwane continues to co-operate fully with law enforcement agencies and respects the investigative process as it unfolds,” he said.

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