KEY POINTS
- Nkandla officials allegedly forged a resignation to steal a salary.
- The fraud was discovered after the victim’s salary was withheld.
- The accused remain in custody pending their bail hearing.
Two senior Nkandla Local Municipality officials and a former employee have been arrested on charges of fraud and forgery, with allegations linking them to a salary scam dating back to 2022.
The suspects, who have not yet pleaded, allegedly forged the resignation of traffic police officer Zandile Madlala to divert her salary.
According to IOL, they appeared in Nkandla Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The court remanded them in custody until March 14, 2025, for a bail hearing.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu confirmed the arrests, stating that Nkandla detectives had been investigating the case for several months before the senior prosecutor decided to proceed with prosecution.
Madlala, who was the victim of the alleged Nkandla salary fraud, tragically passed away in 2024 before seeing justice served.
Forgery uncovered after missing salary payment
The fraud came to light when Madlala failed to receive her salary in July 2022. Upon investigating, she discovered that someone had forged her signature on resignation documents, falsely stating that she had left her job.
The municipality source disclosed how Madlala confronted officials, demanding to know the details about the person who had submitted the fake documentation.
However, no one could provide answers, and the municipal leadership at the time, under the late Mayor Mbhekiseni Biyela, failed to take action.
Further investigations revealed that a Human Resources official had masterminded the fraud. This official later resigned before they could face disciplinary action.
Court proceedings and municipality response
The accused, who range in age from 35 to 50, are facing serious fraud and forgery charges that could result in lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
Acting Nkandla Mayor Nonhlanhla Nzuza declined to comment on the case, stating that the matter is sub judice (under judicial consideration and prohibited from public discussion).
Meanwhile, residents and anti-corruption activists have expressed concerns about fraud within local government structures, calling for greater transparency and accountability.
With the bail hearing set for March 14, many await the court’s decision on whether the suspects will stay in custody or gain release pending trial.
