POLOKWANE – A group of 27 accused appeared in the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday (January 17).
National Prosecuting Authority Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi confirmed to Bosveld that five more arrests were made since the accused’s last appearance on October 29.
Also read: [WATCH] Arrested Mogalakwena officials, company directors in court
The accused face 104 charges of corruption, three of money laundering and three of conspiracy to commit corruption which relate to tender irregularities in the Mogalakwena Local Municipality.
The alleged fraudulent activities reportedly took place between 2016 and 2019 and the total amount involved in corruption is around R15m.
Among the suspects who appeared is a former mayor and her sister, as well as a director of technical support at the municipality. Another former mayor did not appear as he tested positive for Covid-19 and his results were handed in at the court.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes’ (Hawks) Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit initially arrested 13 of the accused on August 30, 2021, during a take-down operation at the municipality.
Read more: 13 arrested at Mogalakwena Municipality as Hawks swoop in
Two more suspects as well as two more companies were arrested later on the same day.
On August 30, 2021 the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority seized a luxurious motor vehicle that was bought for accused 16.
They made their first appearance in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court in September 2021, however, the case against them was later struck off the role as as their legal representatives argued that their clients were arrested without a proper warrant.
The magistrate said they were not treated in a proper manner. “Arresting someone without a warrant requires a reasonable explanation. You cannot arrest a person who willingly made themselves available.”
The accused were then served with warrants and the case was moved to the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
The matter has now been postponed to April 12 for consultation and all accused are out on an extended warning.
