An official who works at the Mhlonto Local Municipality in the OR Tambo District made a brief appearance in the Mthatha Magistrates' Court on Monday on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The 41-year-old Zwelilungilile Siqhola was allegedly looking for a hitman to kill the Municipal Manager, who is also a witness against him in a R169 000 fraud case.
That matter was set to be heard in Qumbu on the 16th of September.
Siqhola was arrested over the weekend after police received a tip-off and a trap was set for him.
Two police officers posed as possible hitmen and a meeting point was set up.
During the sting operation, other officers swooped on the property and confiscated two firearms and 30 rounds of ammunition during the arrest.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali says the State asked for the case to be postponed to give them time to profile the accused.
The matter was postponed to the 21st of September when Siqhola is expected to bring a formal bail application.
Tyali says the State will oppose bail.
