Three male suspects, aged between 44 and 59, appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 15 May 2025, facing charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering linked to the construction of low-cost housing in the Nala Local Municipality.
The suspects, identified as a development officer, a consulting engineer, and a project manager, were arrested on 14 May 2025 in coordinated operations by Serious Corruption Investigation detectives in Bothaville, Welkom, and Bloemfontein.
The case stems from a May 2021 contract awarded by the Department of Human Settlements to a service provider for the construction of 47 house foundations in Bothaville as part of the project’s first phase. Over R1.1 million was paid to the service provider, but it was later discovered that only 14 foundations had been built, despite the department being invoiced for the full amount.
A Hawks investigation revealed alleged collusion between the service provider, the development officer, the consulting engineer, and the project manager. Prosecutors reviewed the evidence and subsequently issued arrest warrants.
Authorities have confirmed that the arrest of the service provider is imminent.
The case continues as investigations unfold.
