Jan Izaks Swartz, currently the municipal manager at the Nama Khoi Municipality in Springbok, was released on R5 000 bail.
This follows after Swartz (63), who is a former Hantam municipality manager, has been arrested in Springbok by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on Wednesday, 27 March.
After his arrest, he appeared in the Calvinia Magistrates Court, said WO Nomthandazo Mnisi, Hawks media spokesperson.
He was charged with fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. Mnisi said it is alleged that between 2019 and 2020, Swartz whilst being the municipal manager at the Hantam Municipality, received a monthly subsidy for two official cell phones, whereas the municipality was also paying for the billing to the service provider which was contrary to the package he had with the municipality.
Due to this, the municipality suffered an actual prejudice of R33 470,39.
In another unrelated matter, the suspect is alleged to have ordered two loads of gravel belonging to the municipality to be delivered to his residence for personal benefit. The actual prejudice suffered by the municipality in this regard is R1 003.
The case is postponed to 13 May for appearance in the Commercial Crimes Court.
First story, breaking news:
A former Hantam Municipality manager, aged 63, who is currently the municipal manager at another municipality in the Northern Cape, has been arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.
He will be charged with fraud and allegations regarding the contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
He is expected to make a brief appearance before the Calvinia Magistrates Court today, 27 March, said WO Nomthandazo Mnisi, Hawks media spokesperson.
