The Gauteng Provincial Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has arrested another suspect in an investigation into an alleged R16 million fleet tender awarded by the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
The 40-year-old suspect was arrested at a shopping mall in Pretoria on Thursday afternoon following an investigation into the municipal tender.
Police did not release the suspect’s name, although media reports have identified him as businessman Mpho Edward Malema.
The arrest relates to allegations surrounding the unlawful awarding and implementation of a municipal vehicle fleet contract in which a service provider was paid almost R16 million to supply 18 vehicles, including UD trucks and bakkies.
R16m Emfuleni Fleet Tender Under Investigation
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), investigators found that only seven of the 18 contracted vehicles were delivered to the municipality, despite Emfuleni having paid the service provider the full amount.
Malema and his company, Maboela Foresty and Construction CC, have been linked to the tender.
The suspect faces charges of corruption, fraud and theft.
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SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the latest arrest followed the earlier arrest of the municipality’s former fleet manager, who is currently out on bail in connection with the same investigation.
“The arrest follows the earlier arrest of the municipality’s former fleet manager, who is currently out on bail in connection with the same investigation,” Mathe said.
The 40-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 7 September 2026.
PKTT Probes Emfuleni Electricity And Infrastructure Crime
The latest arrest is separate from another investigation involving alleged illegal electricity connections and the theft of critical infrastructure at Emfuleni Local Municipality.
The PKTT recently arrested an eighth suspect who police believe is linked to the alleged syndicate behind the illegal electricity connections.
Police said the suspect was re-arrested shortly after being released on bail in an unrelated matter on Thursday.
“The arrest forms part of ongoing investigations into a syndicate allegedly involved in the illegal connection of electricity and related criminal activities in the Emfuleni Local Municipality,” Mathe said.
The suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday, 7 September 2026, facing charges of theft, damage to and theft of critical infrastructure, and money laundering.
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Police said the investigation into the alleged electricity network remains ongoing as investigators work to identify other people who may be involved.
“Police investigations are continuing, with authorities working to identify and apprehend all those involved in the illegal electricity connection network,” Mathe concluded.
