Emfuleni Seven Remain in Jail

The seven accused Emfuleni municipal employees appeared in court yesterday. Image Source: EWN

Seven Emfuleni Local Municipality employees appeared briefly in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court yesterday, 24 August 2026, on charges of fraud, theft amounting to R150 000, money laundering and tampering with essential infrastructure.

The accused, namely: David Seneekal (31), Caroline Smangele Maduna (39), Kenneth Zongezile Mahobe (35), Hlawutelo Baloyi (29),  Pule Meshack Masilo (36), Andries Bafana Maduna (48), and Sibusiso Patrick Tshabalala (46) have been

remanded in custody after the matter was postponed for a formal bail application.

“The matter was postponed to 31 August 2026 for a formal bail application,” said National ProsecutingAuthority (NPA) spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana.

Between February 2024 and June 2026, the suspects allegedly targeted businesses and residents whose electricity had been disconnected due to arrears.

They offered to restore power in exchange for direct payments, subsequently executing illegal reconnections and altering municipal records to display reduced debt balances.

Though initial bills re-emerged on subsequent monthly statements, the electricity remained illegally connected, prompting affected complainants to alert municipal authorities.

“The alleged conduct resulted in the illegal use of electricity and financial losses for the already financially strained municipality,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

Following internal investigations, the municipality alerted law enforcement, leading to the arrests on 21 August 2026.

Mahanjana emphasised the NPA’s stance on corrupt activities affecting public service infrastructure.

“The NPA remains committed to prosecuting corruption, fraud, and crimes that undermine essential public infrastructure and service delivery,” Mahanjana stated.