The Emfuleni Local Municipality is facing a major corruption scandal after a forensic investigation revealed that more than R16 million in taxpayer funds may have been spent on vehicles that were never delivered or became unusable shortly after purchase.
The alleged fraud centres on the procurement of trucks, graders and bakkies through Maboela Forestry and Construction using the National Treasury of South Africa RT57-2019 contract, a national supplier panel intended to ensure transparency and fair pricing in government procurement.
However, investigators say the procurement process may have been manipulated, allowing millions of rand to be paid for equipment that either never arrived or quickly became defective.
Vehicles Allegedly Never Delivered
Documents reviewed by investigators reportedly show that six UD trucks and eight Toyota Hilux bakkies paid for by the municipality were never delivered.
Invoices were allegedly signed and stamped as proof of delivery despite the vehicles not being received.
Investigators claim that officials within the municipality may have signed off documentation confirming deliveries that never occurred.
According to the findings, the fleet manager allegedly approved invoices confirming delivery, while the acting assistant fleet manager reportedly signed as the receiving official even though the vehicles were not present.
The acting assistant fleet manager reportedly told investigators he was pressured to sign the documents and was informed that it was necessary in order for the supplier to “release” the vehicles.
Faulty Graders and Questionable Documentation
The report also raises concerns about three SANY SMG200-3 graders that were delivered but allegedly became inoperable shortly afterwards due to recurring mechanical failures.
The graders were reportedly supplied with operating manuals written only in Mandarin, leaving municipal operators unable to properly maintain or repair the machines.
Investigators also flagged irregularities such as duplicate engine numbers, vehicles registered to third parties rather than the municipality, and questionable documentation.
According to the report, the supplier allegedly provided documents referred to as “Birth Certificates” to create the impression that the vehicles had been delivered.
Financial Loss Exceeds R16 Million
Records indicate that the municipality paid:
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R8,760,700 for UD trucks that were never delivered
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R2,850,772.50 for the three graders that later broke down
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R1,819,800 for warranties and service packages that were allegedly never honoured
The total confirmed financial loss stands at R16,059,310, excluding additional costs for repairs, transport, registration and other administrative expenses.
The faulty graders have further strained the municipality’s already limited fleet capacity. As of February 2025, only one of the machines had reportedly been repaired, while the other two remain non-functional.
Some vehicles that were delivered also remain only partially registered or lack the necessary permits required for municipal operations.
Political Response and Criminal Case
Kingsol Chabalala, the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate in Emfuleni, has announced plans to open a criminal case following the findings of the forensic investigation.
Chabalala said the report indicates that millions of rand in taxpayer money may have been paid to a supplier for goods that were never delivered, allegedly with the assistance of officials who bypassed proper Supply Chain Management procedures.
He has called for the recovery of the funds and accountability for those involved.
Municipality Responds
In response to the allegations, Emfuleni Municipality spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni confirmed that the council has resolved to open a case against individuals implicated in the matter.
Sangweni said the decision followed the discovery of prima facie evidence suggesting wrongdoing.
The municipality has requested space to complete internal disciplinary processes and legal proceedings before commenting further on the case.
He also urged political parties within the council to allow the municipality to implement its decisions without external pressure, stating that the administration remains committed to clean governance and the Batho Pele principles.
The investigation into the alleged procurement scandal is ongoing.
