According to the SAPS, four officials including the Municipal manager from the Kannaland Municipality in the Western Cape were arrested by the HAWKS for fraud on Thursday, 25 November 2021.

The officials are alleged to have defrauded the municipality of more than 338 Million Rands. The Munipal manager reportedly handed himself over to the HAWKS offices following the arrests of his Co-Accused.

“The Director of Corporate Services, Hendrick Barnard; the former Chief Financial officer, Nigel Delo; the Municipal Manager, Horne Hoogbaard and the Human Resources Manager, McGrandile Makier appeared in the Ladismith Magistrate’s court and were released on bail,” the SAPS said.

“It is alleged that they defrauded the municipality of more than R338 Million by enriching themselves through fraudulent appointments in Senior positions, acting allowances and the company owned by one of them benefitted whilst the owner was working for the municipality,” added the SAPS.

The Suspects were released on R15 000 bail each and the case was postponed to the 26th of January 2022 in the Oudtshoorn Regional Court.