Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Opposition parties in the Bitou Municipality have called for criminal investigations by the Hawks, Public Protector, and Auditor-General relating to charges against Bitou Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani.
In a joint media statement by the ANC, PDC and PA, the parties have elaborated on details of the charges they laid at the Plettenberg Bay Police station on Thursday 24 July against Memani.
The statement, released today, Friday 25 July, said the parties had jointly opened two criminal cases against Memani, one for contempt of court and the other for fraud and corruption following his "defiance of a high court order and alleged misuse of public funds for personal and political gain”.
Slap in the face
On the contempt of court charge, the parties said that on 18 October 2024, the Western Cape High Court ordered Memani and his legal team to repay without delay the R4.2m he had received for a "mutual severance agreement".
Instead, said the statement, he was reinstated as municipal manager on that day, despite the court ruling.
“By March 2025, the debt had been reduced to R1.9m, without explanation."
In April, ANC councillors demanded repayment.
“Instead of paying, he enjoyed generous financial benefits with a bonus, backpay, and the purchase of a luxury BMW. This is a blatant violation of a court order and a slap in the face to justice and the public,” said the statement.
Paulse
The second case involves the appointment of Allen Paulse as acting manager: governance and compliance.
"In September 2024, Mr Memani appointed Mr Paulse to a key municipal post without any open recruitment," said the statement.
By December, a new post was created that “appeared to be tailored for Paulse”.
In May 2025, Paulse transferred R800 000 to the municipality, using the payment reference “M Memani".
“Days later, the role was advertised and Paulse was interviewed and prematurely declared appointed via WhatsApp."
'Job for payment'
His application was later found to be invalid, but according to the statement, instead of appointing other candidates, his contract was extended.
“The R800 000 payment strongly suggests a ‘job-for-payment’ scheme. This is a serious offence that must be fully investigated,” the statement read.
The parties called for the immediate suspension of Memani and implicated officials, as well as for:
• Criminal investigations by the Hawks, Public Protector and Auditor-General
• Transparency in all municipal recruitment and financial records
• Protection for whistleblowers and staff who speak out
“Bitou residents deserve clean, accountable leadership. We will not stand by while public trust is betrayed,” read the statement.
Response
When asked for comment, Paulse said: "Anybody can open criminal cases and make allegations".
"If it can be proved that public money was stolen, any such person who did so or committed fraud must be prosecuted. Let's wait and see if the police, NPA and courts come to any such conclusion."
Comment has been requested from Memani and will be added once received.
Read previous article:
More legal action over Memani | Knysna-Plett Herald
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