Bhekisisa Hlongwa, the former chief financial officer (CFO) of Newcastle Municipality, says political interference is behind a fraud case involving R7.8 million. Hlongwa is facing serious charges along with other individuals over allegations connected to a backdated contract for Bonakude Consulting. According to his claim, the matter is not being handled independently and that decisions connected to the case reflect influence from political actors rather than the merits of the allegations. The charges centre on the circumstances of the contract, including that it was allegedly signed and dated after the services or arrangement it covered had begun, which prosecutors describe as improper. The reports also indicate that Hlongwa is contesting the case and raising concerns about how it has progressed. No details are provided in the available information about the specific nature of the alleged interference or any response from political representatives. The matter remains defined by the allegations that the contract was backdated and that this forms the basis for the fraud charges.