Pule Mabe Fraud Case: Representations Dismissed, Trial Set for February 2026

Former African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Pule Mabe and his co-accused will face trial in February 2026 after the regional head of the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit in Gauteng dismissed their representations seeking to have fraud and corruption charges dropped [1]. The case centers around a R27 million tender awarded in 2017 for the supply of waste-collection vehicles.

Background of the Case

Mabe, along with his wife Mmatlhekelo Elsie Mabe, business associate Tinyiko Mahuntsi and four former officials from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development – Thandeka Mbassa, Matilda Gasela, Abdullah Mohamed Ismail, and Loyiso Mkwana – are facing charges of fraud, theft, and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) [2]. Two companies, KG Media (trading as Enviro-Mobi) and Star Mass Direct (trading as Kariki Media Holdings), are also implicated in the charges [2].

Recent Developments

The accused had submitted representations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in an attempt to have the charges withdrawn. Yet, the regional head of the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit dismissed these representations [1]. Following this decision, some of the accused have requested further details from the State and indicated their intention to submit additional representations to the office of the director of public prosecutions in Johannesburg for further consideration [1].

The Tender and Allegations

The charges relate to a R27 million tender awarded in 2017 to Enviro-Mobi for the supply of waste-collection vehicles, commonly known as tuk-tuks [2], [4]. The State alleges that the tender was unlawfully awarded and that funds were paid out without the proper delivery of services [4].

Court Schedule and Bail

The matter was initially postponed to May 5, 2026, pending the outcome of the representations [1]. All accused are currently out on bail of R30,000 each [2].

Pule Mabe’s Background

Puleng Peter “Pule” Mabe, born March 19, 1980, served as the national spokesperson of the African National Congress (ANC) from 2018 to 2023 [3]. He previously served as a Member of the National Assembly from 2014 to 2017 and held a position in the ANC Youth League [3].