ANC MP reportedly among 11 arrested for Mpumalanga corruption
The Hawks have pounced on 11 suspects for alleged fraud and corruption in connection with dubious land deals to the tune of R124 million.
The arrests form part of a multi-agency investigation including the Specialised Investigating Unit (SIU) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
African National Congress (ANC) MP and former state security minister Bongani Bongo is reportedly among those arrested.
Hawks spokesperson Philani Nkwalase confirmed the arrests on Tuesday afternoon.
“It is alleged that during February 2012 a complaint was made about the Msukaligwa Municipality that allegedly bought a Rietspruit farm in Ermelo worth R11 million yet sold for about R36.4 million in 2011, to develop a township whilst the municipality owned a farm that could have been utilised for the same purpose.
“Another whistle blower alerted the investigators to two other deals involving two farms, a 70-hectare Malelane farm worth R44 million that was allegedly sold to the municipality at R50 million in 2011 and a 74.2 hectare Naauwpoort in Emalahleni worth R16 million apparently sold for R37.5 million,” said Nkwalase.
“All these three farms actual combined value was approximately R70 million but through alleged collusion by the arrested suspects the Mpumalanga of Human Settlements Department suffered a total loss of just under R124.million.”
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He added the money was channelled through five companies.
The NPA confirmed that all 11 are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate Court on Wednesday.
The charges include corruption, fraud, theft and money laundering.
