A former Chief Financial Officer and a Payroll Clerk of the Ratlou Local Municipality were arrested on Monday by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit based in Potchefstroom on charges of fraud.
The suspects, a 35-year-old former CFO and a 53-year-old female payroll clerk, are alleged to have orchestrated a scheme that led to an unauthorized payment of over R49,000.
According to reports, the investigation was launched after it was discovered that in March 2022, the former CFO had unilaterally appointed the payroll clerk to the position of acting expenditure manager. This appointment was made without the required approval from the municipal manager.
The investigation further revealed that in November 2022, the former CFO allegedly authorized a payment of R49,000 to the clerk, designated as an acting allowance for the higher-paying position. Authorities established that the clerk did not perform any of the duties associated with the role of acting expenditure manager during this period.
The duo was apprehended on Monday, 15 September 2025. They have been charged with fraud and are scheduled to make their first appearance at the Setlagole Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 16 August 2025.
