Bobby Motaung has been under investigation by the Hawks for some time. His arrest last year was big news and since then, there has been an ongoing investigation. As a result of the further findings of this investigation, Bobby Motaung, Herbert Thiledi, Michael Romanos and Chris Grib were re-arrested on Friday.
Bobby Motaung is the team manager for one of the biggest football clubs in South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs. He is also a businessman and son of Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung. Bobby Motaung lost favour with many of the club’s loyal supporters when he responded to calls for his resignation by saying that Kaizer Chiefs is a ‘family business’ from which he will not be removed by public pressure.
The SABC reported that the four gentlemen were accused of submitting, among other documents, a forged and fraudulent tax clearance certificate. It is alleged that Michael Romanos, who is also a lawyer for Chris Grib, compiled and presented these documents despite being aware of their illegal origins. Bobby Motaung and his co-accused used these documents and other means of gross misconduct to secure the tender that made them project managers in the construction of Mbombela Stadium.
The arrest and charges of fraud and corruption were confirmed by Hawks spokesperson Paul Ramoloko. He also confirmed that the four would appear at the Nelspruit Magistrates Court. Over and above the evidence of forged documents, the Hawks also have evidence of other unsavoury business practices by the accused.
After their re-arrest on Friday, Bobby Motaung and his co-accused were all released on R15 000 bail with the exception of Michael Romanos who was released from police custody on a warning. Tender fraud, tax evasion and corruption are very big concerns amongst politicians and businesspeople. Other big names who have come under scrutiny recently include former ANCYL president Julius Malema and David King.