HAWKS await DPP for a decision on Dibolelo Mahlatsi

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is awaiting for a decision from Advocate Navilla Somaru, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the matter involving Dibolelo Mahlatsi, Member of Executive Council for Public Works and Infrastructure.

The fraud and corruption investigation relates to trips to Durban and Cape Town in February and March respectively.

Mahlatsi spent just over R176 000 on accommodation only in Durban in February 2024.

A month later, she splashed R100 000 in four days in Cape Town staying at Southern Sun hotel.

Travel agency staff in the MEC extravaganza trip say they recommended cheap hotels but were told to book according to the quote given

The cost for flights for Mahlatsi and her two body guards to Cape Town was R32 000 while accommodation was R34 000.

In September we reported how the Hawks at the time, were eyeing Mahlatsi, and could not confirm nor deny any investigation.

However, we knew they were, we even knew who the investigating officer is.

We can confirm travel agencies involved in the bookings were summoned by the Hawks and more than anything, the question around procurement became a central point as office of the MEC allegedly sourced quotations.

We understand among documents seized by the Hawks include:

Approval by the Premier,
Trip submission,
Invoices,
Payments,
Statements from Travel Agencies and staff among others.

It’s the same modus operandi how a quote was sourced from a travel agency in Midrand and sent to Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena, the department was quoted over R700 000 with accommodation at R10.500 a night per person for bed a breakfast only.

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Hawks, Warrant Officer, Fikiswa Matoti confirmed the investigation into Mahlatsi.

“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Free State can confirm the existence of an investigation into the provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.”

She concluded by giving the current status of the case.

“A decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is awaited.”

This is a developing story.

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