A routine audit at the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality in the North West has allegedly uncovered irregular transfers of more than R1.3 million from the municipality’s bank account, triggering a Hawks investigation that has now resulted in three arrests.

Vincent Mkhwanazi, 38, Sibusiso Kunene, 44, and Thembeka Zukula, 44, whose positions at the municipality are yet to be revealed, appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, facing charges of fraud, theft and money laundering.

The alleged financial irregularities came to light during an audit conducted by the municipality.

According to the Hawks, the audit flagged transactions in which money was allegedly transferred from the municipality’s bank account without proper authorisation and without the required supporting documentation.

The discrepancies raised concerns over how the municipal funds had been handled and were subsequently reported to the Hawks for investigation.

The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team then launched an investigation into the alleged financial misconduct.

After an extensive probe, investigators arrested the three suspects on Sunday, 20 September.

The investigation has not ended with the arrests. The Hawks told the court that additional suspects may still be arrested, raising the possibility that more people could be implicated as investigators follow the money trail.

The three accused were each granted R1,000 bail.

Their case has been postponed to 30 November 2026 for further investigation and the possible arrest of additional accused.

The allegations centre on the alleged unauthorised movement of municipal funds, with the municipality reportedly suffering a loss of more than R1.3 million.