-Staff Writer / Fri, 9 Jan 2026
The Hawks have conducted a search-and-seizure operation at the Moqhaka Local Municipality offices in the Free State as part of an investigation into alleged fraud and corruption involving a service provider.
The Hawks provincial spokesperson,Fikiswa Matoti, aid the raid was carried out on Friday by the Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) unit based in Welkom, with assistance from the Kroonstad Public Order Police and the Local Criminal Record Centre.
“The operation forms part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities linked to a service provider appointed by Moqhaka Local Municipality,” Matoti said.
According to the Hawks, the investigation stems from a contract awarded in December 2022 to Korone Engineering Co. to provide wastewater treatment maintenance services, as well as maintenance of sewer and water pump stations, for a period of three years. The company was also contracted to install two generators, two water pumps, two water meters and to drill two boreholes in Steynsrus.
Investigators allege that the municipality paid the service provider approximately R6,441,871.75 for services and goods that were either partially delivered or not rendered at all. It is alleged that Korone Engineering Co. submitted fraudulent claims that included billing for four generators instead of the contracted two, water pumps measuring three metres instead of the required 1.7 metres, and the drilling of four boreholes instead of two.
Municipal officials are further alleged to have signed off and confirmed that the services and goods had been delivered, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Welkom, leading to the approval of a search warrant.
During the operation, officials seized several documents, including payment vouchers and other related records, which will be analysed as part of the ongoing investigation.
“No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are continuing,” Matoti confirmed.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
We are glad to see that SIU and all other law enforcement agencies are begging to take their work serious.This gives confidence to the government and all their corruption , fraud and money laundering activities.ViVA SIU/ Hawks VIVA
Like I have said we applaud the law enforcement agencies for the fight spirit they have shown towards corruption,fraud and money laundering. This will assist the government ti create a conducive climate to attract investment and at the same time fight unemployment in our country.