ALLEGED FRAUDSTERS APPEARED IN COURT FOR R2,3M
LIMPOPO: Five accused appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate Court for allegedly frauded company over R2,3 million on 15 January 2026.
The accused Unkhonto Maropola (36), Kgopotso Maopola (30), Johannes Sathekge (37), Kgaugelo Malebana (32), Kgopotso Mohlake (35) were arrested on 13 and 14 January 2026 after handed themselves to the Polokwane-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
The allegations stem from a 2023 water project tender awarded to a company by Polokwane Local Municipality, where Maropola was facilitating the tender process. After being removed from his responsibility, Maropola allegedly hired an engineer and created fake documents with a company logo.
Maropola appointed himself as a director and opened a new bank account in the company’s name.
He then submitted those documents to the Municipality, resulting in a payment of over R2,3 million into his account.
The affected company reported the matter to the Hawks, leading to an investigation that revealed the deposited money was shared among the engineer and directors of various companies who did not render the services.
The meritorious investigations of the Hawks traced the money.
All accused were granted bail of R20 000 each. The case was postponed to 27 March 2026.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province Major General Gopz Govender commended the investigating officer.
