EASTERN CAPE – The accused, Ntombomzi Litye (60) and Nontando Marala (44) appeared before the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 where they faced charges of fraud and theft.
It is alleged that during the period of December 2024 until June 2025, Litye and Marala former employees of the Buffalo City Metro Municipality Cemetery Department, were involved in fraudulent activities. They allegedly made misrepresentations to municipal clients who came to request and purchase burial site services. It is further alleged that the accused will then instruct the clients to make cash payments and take the money for their own personal gain. As a result of the fraudulent activities, the municipality was prejudiced and suffered a total loss of R344 846.
The matter was then reported to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in KuGompo City for further investigation culminating in the arrest of the accused on 27 May 2026.
The case against the accused has been postponed to 05 June 2026 and they were each granted R1000 bail.