JUST IN: Western Cape mayor, CFO arrested in alleged kickback bust

Police have arrested a Western Cape mayor, municipal manager and chief financial officer in a corruption probe over alleged kickbacks linked to a municipal security contract.

The SAPS Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) arrested the three senior officials on Thursday, 1 October, after investigators received information about an alleged kickback scheme at a municipality on the southern coast of the Western Cape.

SAPS has not yet named the municipality or the three officials.

Western Cape mayor arrested over alleged kickbacks

Police allege a businessman who secured a security services contract faced demands for kickbacks to keep the contract.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the businessman allegedly paid hundreds of thousands of rands because he feared officials would terminate the deal if he refused.

Investigators followed the information and arrested the mayor, municipal manager and CFO.

Police have not yet disclosed the value of the security contract or the total amount allegedly paid.

Trio face corruption charges

The three officials face corruption charges and will appear in court on Monday, 5 October 2026.

SAPS has not yet detailed the allegations against each suspect or confirmed whether investigators expect more arrests.

The identities of the officials and the municipality remain under wraps ahead of their first court appearance.