In early 2026, South Africa’s major metropolitan municipalities are facing a significant wave of fraud and corruption trials. The following major cases are active or reaching critical milestones this year:
1. Nelson Mandela Bay (Gqeberha)
Powercraft Service Fraud: On February 3, 2026, businessman Sandile Malusi was granted bail following his arrest for allegedly defrauding the city of R189,000 via a municipal contract for the Summerstrand Beach Office.
R24 Million Toilet Tender: A high-profile case involving suspended city manager Noxolo Nqwazi and other officials is ongoing in the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, with appearances scheduled for February 2026.
Streetlight Tender Scandal: Following an SIU investigation into a R24.5 million contract, the NMB council recently rejected a motion to suspend implicated officials, though criminal referrals are pending.
2. City of eThekwini (Durban)
R320 Million DSW Fraud Trial: The massive trial of former mayor Zandile Gumede and 21 others continues. In early 2026, the court addressed a warrant of arrest for former councillor Mthokozisi Nojiyeza and ruled on the admissibility of cellphone evidence.
R413 Million Security Claim: The Durban High Court recently reserved judgment in a massive claim by a security company (Solbeth Protection) for unpaid invoices allegedly involving former city manager Sipho Nzuza.
3. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
Madlanga Commission Referrals: In late January 2026, President Ramaphosa ordered urgent action following an interim report from the Madlanga Commission. The report found prima facie evidence of fraud and corruption against senior officials, including suspended legal chief Kemi Behari and EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
4. City of Cape Town
R1.6 Billion Municipal Contract: In late 2025, police raided 26 sites linked to alleged fraud in massive municipal contracts. Investigations into these tenders are expected to produce court appearances throughout 2026.
R12 Million Construction Fraud: On January 27, 2026, five suspects appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud and money laundering related to a Gqeberha-based construction firm expanding to Cape Town.
5. Buffalo City (East London)
Zwelitsha Maintenance Fraud: Three former court officials were sentenced on January 30, 2026, for defrauding a maintenance trust account of R60,000 each.
Electricity Tariff Appeal: The metro is currently appealing a High Court ruling that set aside its 2024/25 electricity service charges, with hearings scheduled for February 2026.
6. Other Metros (Joburg, Tshwane, Mangaung)
City of Johannesburg: Ongoing scrutiny remains on the R2 billion revenue shortfall scandal and high-profile suspensions dating back to 2025.
City of Tshwane: A recent case involves the arrest of a suspect for attempting to bribe a senior metro police official in late January 2026.