Former acting Ratlou municipal manager Cassius Sebatane Sejake has appeared in the Atamelang Magistrate's Court for allegedly contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act.

The 45-year-old was arrested by the Hawks on Monday for allegedly failing to follow processes in the awarding of tenders worth approximately R5.8-million between 2018 and 2019, during his time as the acting municipal manager.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Tlangeni Rikhotso said as the accounting officer, the suspect allegedly failed to take reasonable steps to ensure public procurement processes were followed and observed.

"Service providers were allegedly appointed without a competitive bidding process," added Rikhotso.

Sejake was charged for contravening Section 173 (fruitless and wasteful expenditure) of the act.

He was expected to apply for bail on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the case was scheduled for the Setlagole Magistrate's Court, which also serves as the periodical court for the Atamelang Magistrate's Court.

However, due to the recording devices not working, it had to be postponed.

"It will now take place in the Atamelang Magistrate's Court on Friday [23 October]," he added

Sejake will remain in custody until his next court appearance.