COUNCILLOR AND ACCOMPLICE CHARGED WITH EXTORTION
18 October 2024
WOLMARANSSTAD – In a disturbing case of alleged extortion, Mpho Andrew Hlongwane, 46, and Mosimanegape Donald Sejeso, 25, appeared in the Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s court today facing charges related to a construction project at a new Usave Shoprite supermarket.
The accusations stem from incidents where Hlongwane, a local ward councillor and Chairperson of the Municipal Public Account Committee at Maquasi Hills Local Municipality and Sejeso, who allegedly claimed to be a leader of the Mathintha gang, demanded R50,000 each from the contractor. They threatened that without payment, the construction site would face significant disruptions.
The contractor initially complied with their demands, paying a total of R20,000 in installments. However, after becoming increasingly concerned about the threats, the contractor reported the extortion to the police, leading to the arrest of both men.
During their first court appearance, Hlongwane and Sejeso were granted bail set at R1,000 each. The case has been postponed to 13 December 2024 for further investigations.
