Dan Mdluli
POLOKWANE – This after the anti-corruption unit arrested Seganedi Caiphus Maelane (57) in Polokwane on 10 March for allegedly using the municipality’s forged appointment letter in an attempt to solicit a R12 million bribe in return of R350 million water reticulation projects from a civil and construction company.
Sekhukhune District Municipality Mayor, Mogobo Magabe, said so far three cases of this nature have been opened at Groblersdal Police Station.
“We appeal to other victims of this scam to come forward and confidentially brief us about these cases so we can get law enforcement agencies to apprehend these criminals.
Magabe further made a call to all citizens to refrain from agreeing to seemingly shady and unofficial deals.
“We stand for accountable governance and clean administration.
“All our tenders are publicly advertised in newspapers, followed by open briefing sessions and tender documents to all bidders.
“Qualified bidders are appointed duly and appointment letters are issued by the Municipal Manager.
“It cannot be correct that a company can win a tender without bidding fairly and openly with others, so we request anybody who has been approached to come forward to our offices in Groblersdal or contact the nearest police station,” concluded Magabe.
Col Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Police Spokesperson, said the suspect appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 March on a charge of fraud.
The case was postponed to 13 April while the suspect remained in police custody.
