Municipality official Lesego Seametso arrested for fraud and corruption worth millions
Matlosana Metropolitan Administrator, Ms. Lesego Seametso, and her sister, Lebo Seametso, a representative in the Traffic Division of the same district, have been officially charged with theft, corruption, fraud, and money laundering at the Klerksdorp police station on June 3, 2024.
Lesego Seametso
Lesego was brought to the police station by her partner, Fikile Mahlophe, who is currently serving as the acting Executive Mayor. She was accompanied by two bodyguards.Lesego Seametso is accused of embezzling municipal funds using ODP Lawyers, a firm contracted by the district.
Lesego Seametso and her sister Lebo Seametso
Although their contract ended earlier this year, the funds had not been transferred to the municipality. Lesego was involved in the appointment of these attorneys during her previous term as the head of corporate services.
The money in question was obtained from the sale of municipal land in Hartebeesfontein to the well-known Supreme Chicken poultry farm. The payment was made to ODP in 2023.
Upon registration and transfer of the land, Lesego instructed the attorneys not to deposit the funds into the municipal account but to use them to purchase her current residence, valued at R3 million.
Fikile Mahlophe
The house was previously owned by the two partners of the same law firm before being transferred to the Seametso family trust, which lists Lesego, her sister, and one of the attorneys contracted by the district as trustees.
Lesego appeared in Klerksdorp court on Monday, June 3, 2024, where she was released on R20,000 bail, while her sister was released on R10,000 bail.
The bail was paid by her legal spouse, Fikile Mahlophe, who was not present in court. As part of her bail conditions, Lesego must sign in at the Klerksdorp police station every Monday. The charges against her are categorized as Schedule 6 offenses, and more arrests are expected.
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