Emfuleni fraud accused bail hearing postponed to 31 August

The case against seven Emfuleni accused arrested on charges of fraud, theft and tampering with municipal infrastructure has been postponed to 31 August, for a bail application.

The State in the case involving seven accused employees of the Emfuleni Municipality and Tiyiso Consulting Group, which conducts debt collection for the municipality, says it is opposing bail.

David Senegal, Smangele Maduna, Kenneth Mahobe, Hlautelo Baloyi, Pule Masilo, Bafana Maduna and Patrick Shabalala are facing charges of fraud theft, money laundering and tampering with essential infrastructure.

They made a brief appearance in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s court in the Vaal on Monday.

Suspects are facing among others charges of fraud, money laundering, theft and tampering with municipal infrastructure.

They allegedly assisted residents in arrears on their electricity accounts, to have their power restored.

Police say residents who have been assisted paid cash in the accused’s personal bank accounts.

State Prosecutor Monwabiso Daniso says more charges and more suspects could be added.

“At the moment, the accused faces four counts: tampering with essential infrastructure, fraud, theft, and money laundering.

However, I must indicate that the State is also considering adding other accused persons and charges in this respect.

As of now, these are the charges, and we have discussed the position.

The State is opposing bail.” Meanwhile, the Emfuleni Local Municipality in the Vaal says it is monitoring the fraud case.

They were arrested on Friday and Sunday morning respectively.

Mayoral spokesperson Lucky Shashaoka say they welcome the arrests.