Hawks abandon corruption probe against Mpe, to pay R1.2m legal costs

Polokwane mayor says investigation was political

- By Mawande AmaShabalala

The Hawks in Limpopo have withdrawn an investigation for corruption, fraud and money-laundering against Polokwane executive mayor John Mpe.

Not only that, but the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) also offered to pay Mpe’s legal costs totalling R1.2-million.

This development came this week when the Hawks filed a withdrawal notice at the Polokwane High Court.

The Hawks had applied to have access to the gift register of the Polokwane Municipality to see if Mpe had received corrupt gifts through his Makoro Foundation.

This the DPCI was doing with a view to support their preliminary conclusion that Mpe was involved in a corrupt, fraudulent and money-laundering relationship with the foundation using the municipality.

But unbeknownst to everyone and without stated reasons, on Thursday, the Hawks abandoned the matter. “Please take notice that the first (Hawks) and second applicants (investigator Ngoako Kgatle) hereby withdraw their urgent application set down for hearing on the 29th of July 2025 and consents to pay respondents taxed party and party costs,” reads the notice of withdrawal filed at the Polokwane High Court on Thursday.