On Tuesday, 21 July 2026, members of Klebe from the Durban Serious Corruption Investigation (Durban Serious Corruption Investigation) arrested the former mayor of Madlangeni Municipality, Utrecht, Lindile Mhlungu (42), and his associate, Musawenkosi Thwala (52).
The two individuals were arrested on charges of fraud, violation of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and corruption.
It is alleged that on 10 July 2019, Mrs. Mhlungu introduced a businessman to make a presentation about the study of the possibility of building a shopping center (mall) in Utrecht. It is said that he ordered the former Municipal Manager to hire the businessman. It is said that the Municipal Manager was following his order, and the appropriate procedures for the management of supply chain management (Supply Chain Management) were not followed. A few weeks later, the businessman sent an invoice of R2 014 250.00 to Emadlangeni Municipality to be paid (for the work he did). It is said that a purchase order was made and paid for. However, it is said that no work was done, and the matter was reported to the Hawks for a thorough investigation. The members cooperated with the office of the National Prosecuting Authority and the two people were arrested.
They appeared briefly at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court and were released on bail. Mhlungu was released on bail of R10 000.00 and Thwala was released on bail of R2000.00. The trial has been adjourned to September 1, 2026. More arrests are expected. Acting Head of Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal province, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan, welcomed the arrest of these people and commended the members for a good job.
