Three people, including the municipal manager of Blouberg Municipality, have appeared in the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court following their arrest in connection with an alleged fraudulent security services tender worth more than R11 million.
The accused are 57 year old Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala, the municipal manager, BBT Security Services directors Sello Herlot Mongalo (37),and Ngoako Nicolas Thoka (39).
The three were arrested on 23 September 2026 following an investigation into the awarding and execution of a municipal security contract. According to the NPA, the municipality awarded the security tender to BBT Security Services in March 2023.
It is alleged that the company submitted fraudulent documents during the tender process and did not meet some of the technical requirements, including firearm ownership requirements needed to provide the contracted security services.
Despite this, the company allegedly continued rendering security services to the municipality and received payments amounting to more than R11 million over a period of about three years.
The three accused are facing 73 charges, including fraud, theft and money laundering. Ramothwala also faces an additional charge relating to the alleged contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
Ramothwala is also before the Hoedspruit Regional Court in a separate fraud case, which is expected to continue on 16 October 2026. The accused did not apply for bail during their first court appearance.
The case was postponed to 1 October 2026 for a formal bail application.
