Three individuals appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 May 2025, facing charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering linked to a R6 million scandal involving the City of Matlosana Municipality.
The accused—Anga Shongwe (37), Mathapelo Kelebogile Puswe (38), and Vincent Patrick Shongwe (51)—were arrested on Sunday, 18 May 2025, by a joint operation involving the Serious Corruption Investigation unit, the Serious Corruption Task Team, and the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team.
The arrests followed an investigation into allegations that the trio unduly benefited from municipal funds paid to a service provider, Variegated (Pty) LTD, for services that were never rendered. According to investigators, between September 2023 and January 2024, the municipality paid the company over R6 million for these fictitious services.
Subsequent investigations revealed that funds were transferred from Variegated’s bank account into the personal accounts of the accused. Vincent Shongwe allegedly received R241,000, Anga Shongwe received R190,000, and Mathapelo Puswe received R80,000. It is further alleged that Vincent and Anga, a married couple, used part of the money to purchase a Mercedes-Benz sedan, which has since been seized by authorities for further investigation.
The court granted each accused R5,000 bail. They are set to appear again on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Klerksdorp, alongside three other co-accused who are already out on bail. These include the City of Matlosana Municipality’s Chief Financial Officer, Mercy Phetla; Stores Buyer and Controller Mmatebesi Sekhejane; and Tisetso Sebetlele, the director of Variegated (Pty) LTD.
Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their efforts in ensuring the accused face justice.
The case continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption scheme.
