The Hawks have raided the Newcastle Local Municipality, seizing devices and documents.

• The Hawks have raided the Newcastle Local Municipality, seizing devices and documents.
• The raid follows parliamentary concerns over alleged financial mismanagement, irregular spending, and controversial costs linked to road projects and hired chemical toilets.
• Political party Team Sugar SA welcomed the raid, calling for accountability and possible arrests.

The Hawks have raided the IFP-led Newcastle Local Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal, seizing electronic devices and documents as part of an ongoing probe into alleged maladministration and financial irregularities.

The development comes shortly after the municipality’s leadership appeared before the National Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in late January, where it faced intense questioning over a series of allegations related to spending and procurement practices.

The raid, which took place on Tuesday and lasted several hours, saw investigators moving through different municipal offices, accessing computers and digital systems in an effort to gather information.

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo told News24 the raid was part of an ongoing investigation.

“What I can confirm to you is that, yes, there was a raid as we were conducting various operations in Newcastle municipality. This is part of the investigation, which I cannot get into as it is ongoing,” said Mbambo.

The raid followed the city leadership appearing before the National Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) late January, where it faced intense questioning over a series of allegations related to spending and procurement practices.

During the parliamentary session, the committee raised concerns about alleged irregular and excessive expenditure.

Among the issues flagged was a road construction project costing around R14 million for a relatively short stretch of road, prompting questions about procurement processes and whether value for money was obtained.

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During the parliamentary sitting, the municipality was also grilled over R65 million spent on the hiring of heavy machinery.

In addition, the committee highlighted spending of about R28 million on VIP or chemical toilets, further questioning whether such expenditure was justified and properly managed.

Dr Imran Keeka, MPL and DA Amajuba Constituency head, said the Hawks operation “remains enveloped in secrecy, with no further details available at this stage”.

“If it is indeed around these matters, we welcome the progress in investigations and are hopeful of speedy conclusions in the interest of the people of Newcastle. Whoever is found to be the culprits must have the whole law book thrown at them without any fear or favour,” said Keeka.

Keeka added that residents and council alike deserve clarity, accountability, and a full resolution of these and any related concerns.

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Political party Team Sugar SA welcomed the intervention, saying it signalled long-awaited accountability.

The party leader, Musa Thwala, who is the former Newcastle deputy mayor, said they hoped the investigation will uncover the truth behind alleged misuse of public funds and lead to consequences for those found responsible.

“We believe the municipality has been run by individuals who are more focused on benefitting themselves rather than serving the community,” he said.

Efforts to get hold of municipality manager, Zamokwakhe Mcineka, for a response were unsuccessful as his phone was turned off on Wednesday morning.