Pule Mabe Maintains His Innocence in R27 Million Tender Fraud Case, South Africans Don’t Believe It
- Pule Mabe spoke outside the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court, where he faces fraud and theft charges
- The former African National Congress spokesperson and six others appeared in relation to a R27 million fraud and corruption case
- South Africans were sceptical about Mabe's claims, as he maintained that he delivered on the terms of the contract
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Pule Mabe has maintained his innocence in his fraud and corruption case, saying that nothing will change the fact that he supplied 200 three-wheeler vehicles as his tender stipulated.
The former African National Congress spokesperson and his six co-accused appeared at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, as part of their R27 million fraud and corruption case.
His co-accused include his wife, Mmatlhekelo Elsie Mabe; Tinyiko Mahuntsi; and four former officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Gauteng. They are Thandeka Mbassa, Abdullah Mohamed Ismail, Matilda Gasela, and Loyiso Mkwana.
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KG Media, trading as Enviro-Mobi and Star Mass Direct, trading as Kariki Media Holdings, are also charged. The accused made their first appearance in October 2024.
What happened during the proceedings?
During proceedings, the State confirmed that several of the accused planned on making formal representations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). If these are accepted, the charges of fraud, theft, and violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) can be withdrawn.
The charges stem from a R27 million tender awarded in 2017 to Enviro-Mobi by the Gauteng Agriculture and Rural Development Department.
The tender was for 200 three-wheeler vehicles for 59 waste pickers employed by the City of Ekurhuleni. The State claimed that the company only delivered 196 tuk-tuks, and many of them had “mechanical difficulties”.
The case has now been postponed until February 2026.
Source: Getty Images
Mabe maintains his innocence
Speaking outside the courtroom after the matter was adjourned, Mabe insisted that all the vehicles were delivered, saying nothing would change that fact.
“The 200 motorised three-wheelers have been delivered. That’s a fact; it won’t change. Even if Jesus Christ was coming tomorrow, that won’t change,” he stated.
How did South Africans react to the statement?
Some social media users found Mabe’s statement amusing, while others were not impressed.
@zandy_thabethe stated:
“He sounds very vexed and patronising. Guilty as charged.”
@MaxwellModiba laughed:
“Vintage Pule🤣.”
@KalangaGent_ said:
“You guys need to stop giving these people airtime. Let it be said in court. Vote them all out.”
@NtsalubaColbert added:
“The ANC members claiming not to be corrupt is like a lion trying to convince you to be a vegetarian.”
@Bhubesi_ZN noted:
“A man of many words but absolutely nothing meaningful.”
@Island_Tribe17 added:
“He can tell that to the judge and explain why. Don't entertain him outside court.”
@Mqadi99 agreed:
“Merits would be better ventilated in court. Why is the South African media always willing to give thieves a platform to talk rubbish?”
Mabe announces he will step down from ANC role
Briefly News reported that Mabe announced he would step down from his duties on the party's National Executive Committee.
The former spokesperson made the decision in October 2024 after he was arrested and appeared in court.
Some South Africans found it amusing, while others were indifferent to his decision to step down from his roles.
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Source: Briefly News
