KEY POINTS
- Former Kouga Local Municipality official convicted of corruption and bribery.
- Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2025, after report reviews.
- The NPA makes a promise to enforce accountability on corrupt public officials.
A former Kouga Local Municipality (KLM) official has been convicted of corruption for accepting R48,400 ($2,651) in bribes in exchange for manipulating procurement processes.
Thursheus Edin Fabian Snyders, who served as a Senior Administrative Officer for Auxiliary Services, was found guilty at the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, more than a decade after the crime was committed.
Between 2012 and 2014, Snyders accepted payments from WOOA Telecomms CC. This was in exchange for securing favorable business deals for the company.
According to IOL, he reportedly manipulated tender processes to ensure the company received preferential treatment, including early payment of invoices.
Police investigations further revealed that Snyders colluded with WOOA Telecomms representatives, Derval Coral Rust and Werner Rust. They worked together to influence municipal tenders, some of which were later canceled due to fraudulent activity.
Sentencing set for April as state gathers reports
During the trial, it was confirmed that Snyders had no prior criminal record, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the offense. His case has been remanded to April 14, 2025, when he will be sentenced.
Ahead of the sentencing, the court has requested a probation officer’s report. It has also requested a correctional supervision report and a pre-sentence report to help determine an appropriate penalty.
Meanwhile, the trial of Derval Coral Rust and Werner Rust has been scheduled for April 7th 2025 to address the fraudulent scheme charges.
NPA vows to hold corrupt officials accountable
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali declared continued dedication to fight corruption after the conviction. He emphasized the focus on those in positions of power.
“The NPA remains committed to holding individuals in positions of trust accountable for their corrupt actions.
This conviction sends a clear message that those who abuse their office for personal gain will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Tyali.
South African municipalities face increasing problems related to municipal corruption, as several cases have shown irregular procurement systems and poor financial management.
Snyders’ conviction serves as a successful step toward establishing better transparency and accountability in local government operations.
As the court prepares to deliver sentencing, officials and watchdog organizations are closely monitoring the case. They hope it will serve as a warning to other government officials engaged in corrupt activities.
