Pule Mabe challenges R27 million fraud case and questions SIU report

Former ANC national spokesperson, Pule Mabe, has submitted representations seeking to have his fraud and corruption charges withdrawn, maintaining his innocence of the allegations.

Speaking to journalists outside the Palm Ridge court in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday, Mabe questioned the validity and legitimacy of the report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in the R27 million tender scandal case.

He confirmed that a submission to withdraw the case was made.

“My lawyers are handling the submissions, and I would not want to get into the theatre of what is happening… that’s why they represent us,” he said.

The case has been postponed to February 18, 2026, due to the fact that the state is reviewing Mabe’s submissions.

The SIU has obtained a preservation order preventing Mabe from selling or transferring ownership of his property in Steyn City, as well as his Porsche Carrera.

According to the state, Mabe is alleged to have secured the tender through fraudulent means while still serving as a Member of Parliament (MP).

Mabe and six co-accused appeared briefly in court on Wednesday morning to face serious charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering linked to a R27 million tender scandal.

The charges stem from a controversial 2017 contract awarded to Mabe’s company, Enviro Mobi, for the supply of 200 waste collection vehicles—widely known as "tuk-tuks"—meant to assist 58 waste pickers in the Ekurhuleni municipality.

Instead, the deal has come under scrutiny for alleged large-scale corruption and misuse of public funds.

Mabe maintained innocence but set the record straight that the 200 tuk-tuks were delivered. “An allegation is being made in one of the affidavits about the defects of the car and whether they are drivable or not; it’s a matter that will be ventilated at the right platform.

“So, several things ought to be understood. The fact is that 200 motorised three-wheelers have been delivered and that won’t change,”

Meanwhile, Zizi Kodwa, Mabe’s predecessor, previously submitted representations to the Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, seeking to have fraud and corruption charges against him dismissed.

That legal strategy paid off. With the guidance of high-profile attorney Zola Majavu, the charges against Kodwa were withdrawn last year.

Mabe is preparing to submit similar representations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), hoping for the same outcome.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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