Mapaballo Borotho

A former director and accountant from the City of Tshwane, Tienka Abbot, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in connection with the illegal transfer of R11 million into fraudulent municipal accounts.
Abbot was recently apprehended after a prolonged period of evading arrest.
She and two alleged accomplices are suspected of stealing millions from the municipality over several months.
Investigations by the City of Tshwane revealed that over 200 transactions were made from various municipal customer accounts into a ghost municipal account.
City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo described the arrest as a breakthrough in their efforts to combat crime within the metro.
“Ms. Abbot’s identity is now public, as she has appeared in court, and the city feels it is necessary to alert residents who may still be at risk of being targeted in similar scams,” said Mashigo.
“During her court appearance, Abbot applied for bail of R5 000. The National Prosecuting Authority opposed the request and recommended bail be set at R200,000. The court ultimately granted bail at R50 000.
“The investigation is ongoing and now aims to uncover any possible collusion between Abbort and the individuals who illegally benefited from the fraudulent transfers”.
Mashigo urged Tshwane residents to remain vigilant and to be cautious of individuals posing as city officials who claim they can clear outstanding municipal debts.
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