Former Knysna mayor Thando Matika and two senior municipal officials are expected to return to court on Monday, 12 October 2026, over allegations involving a multimillion-rand security contract.
Matika, acting municipal manager Boy Manqoba Ngubo and acting chief financial officer Busisiwe Lubelwana face charges of corruption, extortion and money laundering.
The three have remained in custody since their arrests on 1 October and are due to apply for bail in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court.
R68 Million Security Tender Under Scrutiny
The allegations centre on a municipal security services contract valued at approximately R68 million.
According to eNCA, prosecutors allege that the three officials demanded kickbacks from a businessman who had secured the contract.
The businessman was allegedly pressured into making payments to prevent the cancellation of his agreement with the municipality.
Local publication Knysna-Plett Herald reported that the charge sheet refers to approximately R510,000 allegedly solicited from the contractor.
These allegations have not been proven in court.
Three Accused Remain Behind Bars
The trio was arrested by the South African Police Service’s Political Killings Task Team.
Their previous appearance on 5 October ended with the case being postponed to allow the State to verify information relevant to their bail applications.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the charges, including an additional corruption charge against Matika.
The Special Investigating Unit is also examining alleged irregularities involving the municipality’s security tender.
The accused remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Knysna Faces Leadership Changes
Matika’s legal troubles follow his removal from the mayoral position amid political tensions within the municipality.
The ANC removed him as mayor and councillor on 18 September after his name appeared on the South African Communist Party’s candidate list for the upcoming local government elections.
Matika subsequently disputed his removal.
Deputy Mayor Morton Gericke has since taken over as acting mayor.
Meanwhile, the municipality has declined to discuss the allegations in detail while the criminal proceedings continue.
The bail hearing will determine whether the three accused can be released from custody while their case proceeds through the courts.