LIMPOPO – The Thulamela Local Municipality in Thohoyandou expressed the belief that the investigation by the Hawks in Limpopo will yield results, potentially uncovering and addressing corruption and maladministration within the municipality.
In response to the police and Hawks visiting the municipality last Tuesday, municipal spokesperson Nndwamato Tshiila confirmed the operation.
“We acknowledge the visit by police officers and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). The team presented search warrants to municipal employees and confiscated electronic devices as part of the investigation. We can confirm that no one has been arrested or charged at this stage. As the investigation is ongoing, we will refrain from making further comments. We appreciate the understanding and support of our community as we navigate this situation,” said Tshiila.
Several senior municipal employees were briefly detained during the operation.
Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, spokesperson for the Hawks in Limpopo, confirmed the operation in a statement.
He said the Hawks, in collaboration with the Vhembe-based public order police and tactical response team, executed search warrants at the municipality’s offices on September 3. Electronic devices believed to be critical for the investigation into alleged fraud and corruption were seized during the operation. The intervention by the Hawks has been welcomed by political parties in the Vhembe region, who hope it will help root out corruption and maladministration in local municipalities.
Advocate Tshifhiwa Matodzi, chairperson of the EFF in Vhembe, expressed concern over the slow response to corruption within the Thulamela Municipality.
“We are pleased with the progress being made. We are confident that the investigation is finally underway, as the police have a huge responsibility to protect the interests of the community,” he said.
Khakhathi Tshisikule, a representative of the International Revelation Congress in the Thulamela Council, also praised the Hawks’ efforts, saying corrupt officials should be arrested and prosecuted to eliminate corruption within the municipality.
Major General Gopz Govender, provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, lauded the team for their work, stating that the operation was part of a broader campaign, dubbed ‘Operation Correction’, aimed at removing corrupt officials from both government and private sectors.
He added that similar operations are ongoing throughout the province.
