Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala, municipal manager of Blouberg Local Municipality in Limpopo, and two directors of BBT Security Services appeared in the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2026 over allegations of fraud involving more than R11 million. The accused—Ramothwala, Sello Herlot Mongalo, and Ngoako Nicolas Thoka—were arrested on 23 September 2026 following a Hawks investigation into irregularities in the awarding of a security services tender.
The Hawks launched their probe in 2024 after receiving complaints about the tender process at Blouberg. According to Captain Wendy Nkabi, Hawks spokesperson, the investigation uncovered that BBT Security Services submitted firearm serial numbers and certified documents that were not genuine, some linked to firearms belonging to other security firms.
Mashudu Malabi, National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, said the company failed to meet key technical requirements specified in the tender, including possession of required firearms, yet continued to provide services and received payments exceeding R11 million. The contract was awarded in March 2023 for a security tender valued at approximately R16 million.
The accused face multiple charges including theft, fraud, and money laundering. The court case was postponed to 1 October 2026 for a formal bail application. The procedures highlight ongoing efforts to clamp down on corruption within municipal procurement processes in Limpopo.
While details such as the exact number of charges and a separate pending fraud matter involving Ramothwala remain unverified by multiple sources, there is consistent confirmation of the arrests and the alleged fraudulent tender documents. The case sheds light on weaknesses in public procurement safeguards, with implications for accountability and governance beyond Limpopo.
CapeFlats News will follow developments closely and provide updates after the scheduled bail hearing on 1 October 2026.