Ex-municipal manager out on bail

By Libuseng Nyaka

BETHLEHEM – Former Dihlabeng local municipality manager, Phakiso Patrick Mokoena (40), was released on bail of R10 000 bail after appearing briefly before the Bethlehem magistrate court on March 7, 2024, on charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering.

Mokoena is expected back in court on April 10, 2024.

According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, Mokoena is alleged to have been appointed without proper recruitment procedures being followed.

Dihlabeng ex municipal manager Phakiso Mokoena.

“It was also discovered that, upon employment, he had provided a fraudulent matric certificate. The suspect was hired on a three-month contract between February 2022 and April 2022 on a R53 000 per month ticket. Hawks investigators presented a compelling case before the prosecution which resulted in a warrant for his arrest being issued by the court.”

He was arrested released on the same day of his arrest on bail.