The Hawks have confirmed that they conducted an operation at the office of Polokwane municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni on Wednesday morning, as part of a criminal investigation into an alleged corruption scandal involving senior municipal officials.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, said in a statement that the operation was conducted following a court order issued by the Polokwane High Court.

“The action follows a court order issued by the Polokwane High Court, which granted the Hawks permission to obtain information and documents in support of a criminal investigation into an alleged corruption scandal involving municipal principals and officials,” said Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale.

She added: “The DPCI remains committed to acting decisively and within the law to ensure accountability and transparency in municipal operations.”

The investigation comes in the wake of serious allegations of corruption and irregular tender processes in the Polokwane Municipality. 

The claims involve the municipality’s executive mayor, John Mpe, and Nemugumoni.

Whistleblower Thapelo Molepo, who now leads the activist group Concerned Citizens of Polokwane (CCP), has accused Mpe and Nemugumoni of being at the centre of fraudulent tender activities worth more than R700 million. 

IOL News previously reported that Molepo has published documents on social media which he claims expose large-scale tender fraud and implicate 28 companies, many allegedly owned by associates of the two municipal leaders.

These allegations have surfaced after ongoing service delivery issues in Polokwane, including ongoing water shortages, power outages, and deteriorating road conditions marked by potholes.

Mpe, who also serves as the ANC’s regional chairperson in the Peter Mokaba region, has denied the corruption allegations, dismissing them as part of a political smear campaign.

Molepo, a former ANC member, was suspended by the party for three years after being found guilty of bringing the organisation into disrepute by making the allegations. 

The ANC Mphogodiba Branch Disciplinary Committee confirmed his suspension to IOL News.

“He was found guilty of engaging in unethical or immoral conduct that detracts from the character, values, and integrity of the ANC, behaving in a manner or making statements that bring or could bring the ANC into disrepute, and acting in a way that provokes or could provoke division or negatively affect party unity,” said committee chair Marothi Letsoalo.

The suspension, effective from August 17, 2025, prohibits Molepo from participating in any ANC activities or representing the party in any capacity during the three-year period.

ANC Limpopo provincial spokesperson Jimmy Machaka confirmed that the party is aware of the allegations.

“The ANC in Limpopo notes the allegations. Those making them should approach law enforcement agencies so the claims can be tested,” said Machaka. 

“We caution members of the public against making unsubstantiated allegations. Anyone with evidence of wrongdoing should approach the authorities so that the law can take its course.”

Meanwhile, the opposition party in Limpopo, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) commended the Hawks conducting an operation at the offices of Nemogumoni.

“We commend the work of the Hawks priority crimes for not surrendering to such manoeuvring and attempting to refuse justice,” said EFF chairperson Lawrence Mapoulo

He said no stone must be left unturned. 

“The people of Polokwane continue to suffer shortage of water, potholes, nepotism, jobs for pals, RDP houses for pals and many other shenanigans.”

“Illegal expensive electricity remains the order of the day, where residents are subjected to disconnection and reconnection fees supported by his cronies. Legal firms continue to benefit from unnecessary labour disputes also threatening to sell residents’ houses,” Mapoulo added.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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