A FORENSIC investigation was launched at uThukela municipality yesterday following allegations of corruption, fraud and maladministration, the KwaZulu-Natal department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs said.

"Investigators are busy seizing documents from the office (in) Ladysmith which will assist in the investigation," said MEC Nomusa Dube's spokes-person, Vernon Mchunu.

"The allegations further included bribery, money laundering and nepotism."

UThukela municipality covers local municipalities such as Ladysmith, Bergville and Estcourt.

"At the moment there is cooperation from the leadership."

The investigation will be looking at misappropriation of funds.

"The MEC is taking these allegation very seriously. If any official be found to be involved we wish to promise ratepayers and residents we will be assisted by the hawks and police to make arrests and recover public funds," Mchunu said.

He said nobody has been suspended as yet.

"The MEC is sending a strong message that we will not allow any corruption and criminal element to stand in the way of service delivery."