Hopes on Hawks’ probe into Thulamela road tender

The Thulamela Municipality in Limpopo says it is hopeful that the Hawks’ investigation into the alleged irregular awarding of a R61 million road tender will provide much-needed clarity.

The Hawks seized electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones, from senior municipal officials, including the manager Masala Makumule on Tuesday.

Thulamela municipal spokesperson Nndwamato Tshiila says they only received a R35 million relief fund from the National Treasury and not R61 million as it is reported.

Tshiila says they are co-operating with the Hawks.

“All of our officials are at work, they are going to co-operate with the law enforcement agency. Initially, it was said that we received R61 million that is why I’m saying that was a rumour. Up to this stage, the national department only gave us R35 million because it is a multi-year project. ”

Provincial Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa says their investigation is progressing well.

“We have seized electronic devices that would assist us to investigate the alleged fraud and corruption. Where amongst those devices, we included the laptops and other external drives. We are still investigating we cannot tell how much of the amount of money will be revealed by our investigations. We have not arrested anyone but if our investigation will lead us to the arrest, [an] arrest will be made,” adds Mmuroa.