Bitou probes CFO's R92 546 furniture reimbursement

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Bitou Municipality has confirmed that it has launched an internal investigation into the controversial approval of a R92 546 reimbursement claim for household furniture purchased by the municipality's CFO, Christopher Mapeyi.

The reimbursement, which was approved under the authority of suspended municipal manager Mbulelo Memani, has prompted renewed scrutiny over whether all legislative, regulatory and municipal policy require-ments had been followed.

Investigation
In a statement, the municipality acknowledged the allegations relating to the procure-ment of furniture as part of Mapeyi's relocation benefits.

According to the municipality, the transaction followed its internal approval and administrative processes and was signed off by Memani.

However, the acting municipal manager, Friedel Roderick Williams, has since instituted an internal investigation to establish all the relevant facts and determine whether the reimbursement complied with applicable legislation, regulations and municipal policies.

"The municipality can confirm that the transaction in question proceeded through an internal approval and administration process, which was duly signed off by the municipal manager, who is currently on suspension," the municipality said. It added that, since the matter is under investigation, it cannot comment further or make findings before the process has been concluded.

The municipality reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance, saying any further action would depend on the outcome of the investigation. It also urged stakeholders to allow the process to run its course and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions.

Furniture for relocation
The reimbursement relates to some household furniture reportedly purchased by Mapeyi shortly after taking up his position at Bitou Municipality in June 2025. The items reportedly included a leather couch, armchair, sideboard and footstool.

As previously reported by Knysna-Plett Herald, documents relating to the reimbursement state that Mapeyi had requested repayment after purchasing the furniture as part of his relocation to Plettenberg Bay.

According to the documents, he had been informed that municipal accommodation was unavailable, so he stayed in temporary accommodation at his own expense and bought the furniture because his household belongings could not be transported in time.

The documents further indicate that the R92 546 reimbursement claim had been approved by Memani under his delegated authority.

The outcome of the municipality's investigation is expected to determine whether the approval process complied with all governance and procurement requirements and whether any further action will be taken.

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