Director of Liphundi Project (Pty) Ltd appeared at the East London Magistrate’s Court for tender fraud.
Babalwa Afrika Ngwenze (42), the sole director of Liphundi Project (Pty) Ltd was arrested on 24 April 2025. Investigations by the Hawks established that Amatola Water suffered a loss of more than R215 000 due to fraud, forgery, and uttering.
The Development Section of Amatola Water reportedly advertised a tender application in 2020. It is alleged that the said tender was for hiring water tankers to supply water to various communities within the Chris Hani district areas. There were numerous requirements for a company to qualify for the tender, one postulated that a possession of a licensed water tanker by the potential service provider must be produced.
On 27 August 2020, it is further alleged that the accused’s company through misrepresentation with the intention to defraud Amatola Water, submitted a fabricated vehicle registration certificate purporting to have been supplied by the appropriate Licencing Authorities from the Department of Transport, meanwhile, it was not. The submission made the suspect the suitable service provider for the tender, then she was awarded a tender to supply water to the aforementioned areas. Successively, services were rendered, and then the accused ostensibly submitted invoices to Amatola for payment which was paid to the business entity. During auditing, discrepancies were picked up and the matter was referred to the Specialised Investigation Unit (SIU), where later it was handed over to the Hawks for thorough investigation.
Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said the charges stem from tender fraud relating to Amatola Water. “The Development Section of Amatola Water reportedly advertised a tender application in 2020. It is alleged that the said tender was for hiring water tankers to supply water to various communities within the Chris Hani district.” He added, “There were numerous requirements for a company to qualify for the tender, which included a license for a water tanker that must be possessed by the potential service provider and must be produced.” The matter was remanded to 2 June 2025 for the case to be transferred to East London Regional Court.
Bongi Sikelo 