Former municipal manager sentenced to two years or a R50,000 fine over tender corruption

The former municipal manager of the Dr JS Moroka Municipality in Mpumalanga, Thammy Nelson Kubheka, has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment or an alternative fine of R50,000 after being found guilty of tender irregularities that cost the troubled local government R1.8 million.

Kubheka, 53, was convicted last week by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for violating the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

Police said the charges stemmed from his tenure as municipal manager from 2019, during which he appointed six service providers without adhering to the necessary procurement processes.

Initially charged with 36 counts, the prosecution presented strong evidence including testimonies from the Chief Financial Officer and other municipal employees, who confirmed that the municipality’s policies and procedures were disregarded in the procurement process. This led to significant financial loss for the municipality, already grappling with dire economic constraints.

Kubheka faced accountability for the unlawful expenditure of R1.8 million, with the court’s findings highlighting a serious breach of public trust in the management of municipal finances.

The action followed a dramatic backdrop in October 2019, when frustrated residents resorted to extreme measures—including throwing faeces over municipal offices—in a bid to demand accountability from local leadership regarding issues that had plagued the community for years, including inadequate services which necessitated the council to act against Kubheka.

In addition to the two-year jail sentence, Kubheka received a two-year jail term suspended for five years, contingent on his legal conduct in the future, particularly in avoiding further offences of a similar nature.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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