The fraud, theft and corruption case against supplier Mpho Malema has been postponed to 14 September after a brief appearance in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court.
The State has indicated that it intends to oppose bail. Malema was arrested in Pretoria last week by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team.
The charges relate to a R16 million fleet tender awarded by Emfuleni Local Municipality in 2022 and 2023. Investigators allege that the procurement covered 18 vehicles but that only seven were delivered.
The allegations have not been tested in court and Malema is presumed innocent unless convicted.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the investigation grew from work linked to the killing of Emfuleni municipal financial clerk Martha Rantsofu and information supplied by whistleblowers.
Mathe said investigators had identified additional vehicles allegedly procured through related transactions but registered to other municipalities and a private company. Those claims form part of the continuing investigation and remain allegations.
Police say the Gauteng task team is working on 30 cases, with 17 already before the courts. Thirty-one suspects have been arrested across those matters, according to the police account.
Malema’s next appearance is expected to deal with the bail process while investigators continue examining the municipality’s vehicle procurement. No plea has yet been reported.
