By Teboho Moloi
BETHLEHEM – Former Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) municipal manager Dr Futhuli Patrick Mothamaha (52) and Lesedi Khanya Energy director Lelokonyane Isak Letseng (45) are due back in court on 22 January 2026 following their arrest in a R1.9 million transformer fraud case.
The pair, arrested on 18 November 2025 by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, face charges of fraud, theft, money laundering and violating the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). They were each released on R10 000 bail.
The charges stem from a 2021 tender awarded to Letseng’s company to supply and install electricity transformers in the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality.
Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Zweli Mohobeleli said the company received a contract valued at R1.9 million, yet no transformers were ever delivered.
“It later emerged that Letseng submitted a R1.9 million invoice, which was authorized by Dr Mothamaha. The municipality made the payment and subsequently suffered a loss,” Mohobeleli said.
