The recent “politically motivated” media statement by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West has received criticism for linking the chief financial officer (CFO) of the City of Matlosana, Mercy Phetla to a preservation order valued at R2,7 million.
Phetla confirmed that she does not own a Maserati, including the other mentioned vehicles.
Setting the record straight on Friday, 10 October 2025, Phetla indicated that the she does not own a Maserati valued at R1,4 million and strongly believes that the statement by the Hawks was release to cover the real elements of corruption in the municipality. She questioned the timing of a media statement that indicates that the order was granted on 26 September 2025.
“With regards to the social media post circulated by The Hawks and NPA, it must be noted that there is no car that was seized from the Chief financial officer at the time when this article was issued on the 9th of October 2025.
“It is also important to note that Mercy Phetla has never owned or driven any of the cars mentioned in the statement. It is therefore very unfortunate that such a statement should be circulated with whatever intention that the author and the source are trying to drive,” said Phetla.
The joint statement also indicated that Phetla, the director of Variegated, Tiisetso Sebetlela, the City of Matlosana Municipality Stores official, Josephine Tsimane, Anga Shongwe, Mathapelo Puswe and Vincent Shongwe are expected to appear at the Specialised Commercial Court sitting in Klerksdorp on 27 October 2025.
“It must also be noted that when Chief financial officer has no set court appearance for the 27th of October 2025,” Phetla said.
Speaking to City Report, the legal team representing Phetla confirmed that they are looking into the matter.
Responding to our questions, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the vehicle was seized on 03 September 2025.
Mathebula refused to indicate who is the owner of the mentioned Maserati that is linked to Phetla.
“Details of the ownership of the vehicles will not be disclosed as the matter is currently before court,” said Mathebula.
Following investigations by our team of journalists, City Report understands that the mentioned Maserati belongs to Sebetlela and it was seized at the house of the mayor of Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, which is outside of Dr Kenneth Kaunda region.
A close source said Sebetlela borrowed the mayor – the mentioned Italian luxury car.
