Public officials allegedly funded a ghost project while locals thirst for clean water. The Hawks raided Moqhaka Local Municipality offices in Kroonstad to seize documents linked to a sketchy contract with Korone Engineering Co. Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti confirmed that the Serious Corruption Investigation unit confiscated payment vouchers to investigate fraud claims.
Authorities believe the municipality paid roughly R6.4 million for work that never happened or failed to meet standards. The service provider supposedly billed for four generators instead of two and claimed payment for four boreholes in Steynsrus despite the agreement only calling for half that amount.
Investigators found that the company supplied water pumps measuring three meters rather than the required smaller size. Municipal staff allegedly signed off on these discrepancies anyway. This negligence leaves the community struggling with wastewater issues while tax money vanishes into questionable pockets.
Law enforcement made no arrests yet but continues analyzing the seized evidence to build a case. This raid highlights how easily infrastructure budgets get drained through deceit while residents in the Free State wait for reliable services.
Authorities believe the municipality paid roughly R6.4 million for work that never happened or failed to meet standards. The service provider supposedly billed for four generators instead of two and claimed payment for four boreholes in Steynsrus despite the agreement only calling for half that amount.
Investigators found that the company supplied water pumps measuring three meters rather than the required smaller size. Municipal staff allegedly signed off on these discrepancies anyway. This negligence leaves the community struggling with wastewater issues while tax money vanishes into questionable pockets.
Law enforcement made no arrests yet but continues analyzing the seized evidence to build a case. This raid highlights how easily infrastructure budgets get drained through deceit while residents in the Free State wait for reliable services.
