[BREAKING NEWS] Hawks and NPA Freeze R2.7 Million in Luxury Vehicles Linked to City of Matlosana CFO Mercy Phetla’s R6 Million Fraud and Corruption Scheme
The Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit have obtained a preservation order worth R2.7 million targeting luxury vehicles linked to an alleged R6 million fraud, corruption, and money laundering scheme involving the City of Matlosana CFO, Mercy Phetla, and five others. The High Court of South Africa, North West Division, granted the order on 26 September 2025.
Investigations revealed that between September 2023 and January 2024, the municipality paid Variegated (Pty) Ltd over R6 million for services that were never rendered. The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit traced suspicious transactions that led to a vehicle dealership.
It is alleged that over R4 million of the misappropriated funds was used to purchase three luxury vehicles: a Porsche valued at R2.3 million, a Range Rover worth R1 million, and a Maserati valued at R1.4 million. The current preservation order applies to a Mercedes-Benz CLA200, Range Rover Evoque, and Maserati Levante S M156.
Mercy Phetla, Variegated director Tiisetso Sebetlela, municipal stores official Josephine Tsimane, Anga Shongwe, Mathapelo Puswe, and Vincent Shongwe are expected to appear at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Klerksdorp on 27 October 2025.
Hawks and NPA leadership have praised the joint investigation and efforts that led to the freezing of these assets.
