Accused: Shakeel 'Shaniel' Bhaktawer
One victim said: “I lost big money… I lost everything.”
Authorities have launched an investigation following serious allegations against a former contract employee of the local ward councillor.
Shakeel Bhaktawer is alleged to have taken hundreds of thousands of rands from some residents in Ward 61.
Residents have reported substantial financial losses, alleging that Bhaktawer misappropriated funds for municipal services and assets.
One resident told Laudium Today that Baktawer offered him the vacant land of the old Post Office for R75,000.00. “Thankfully, guided by caution, I chose not to make any payment. Shakeel is, however, extremely persuasive,” he said.
The CPF has suspended Baktawer and councillor Naeem Patel ended his contract two months ago when the allegations first surfaced.
In tweets, anti-crime activist, Yusuf Abramjee, revealed that investigations were underway. He appealed to anyone who lost money to report it to police.
It’s believed the Hawks are investigating the claims.
In a statement released to residents, Ward Councillor Naeem Patel has condemned the alleged fraudulent activities. Patel emphasized that he is strictly prohibited from accepting any form of payment for municipal services or assets. He urged residents who may have paid for services to non-City of Tshwane accounts or in cash, or who suspect they may have received fraudulent receipts, to report these incidents.
Patel highlighted several specific areas of concern:
- Hiring of municipal facilities: Laudium Civic Centre and Erasmia Community Hall.
- Rental or purchase of City-owned assets: including cricket grounds and vacant land.
- Assistance with various municipal applications.
- Payment for municipal services directly to individuals instead of the City.
Patel also addressed reports of forged signatures on documents related to illicit sales of Council properties. He confirmed that both the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City of Tshwane are investigating these claims.
The Laudium Community Policing Forum (CPF) has also taken action in response to the allegations. Shakeel Bhaktawer, who was both a CPF member and a contractor for the Ward 61 council office, has been suspended pending the investigation. The CPF has called on residents who believe they have been defrauded to come forward, reinforcing their commitment to integrity and accountability.
Laudium Today has reached out to Bhaktawer for his response to the allegations:
1. Regarding Property Sales and Forged Signatures: Bhaktawer has been asked to address claims that he sold or attempted to sell City properties—including the Old Post Office land and the Laudium Civic Centre—without proper authorization and allegedly forged Councillor Patel’s signature. Additionally, he is questioned about accepting payments for municipal services.
2. Political Allegiances: Bhaktawer was also asked to confirm or deny meeting with Ganief Hendricks of the Al Jamaah party to potentially join them for the 2026 municipal elections.
3. Cash Payments for Municipal Halls: Bhaktawer was questioned about allegations of collecting cash payments for municipal hall bookings without issuing official receipts or notifying the City.
4. Retroactive Agreements: Finally, Bhaktawer was asked to explain reports that he or his representatives sought to reclassify payments from residents as loans, rather than legitimate transactions for municipal services.
Laudium Today reached out to Bhaktawer for a response to the allegations against him, but he has yet to respond. If he does, we will reflect his comments.
The investigation is ongoing, and residents are encouraged to provide any information that might aid in the resolution of these matters. Both the SAPS and the City of Tshwane are committed to addressing these issues thoroughly.
Residents with concerns or information related to this case are urged to contact Councillor Naeem Patel, the City of Tshwane, the Laudium CPF, or SAPS.
