NOORDWESTER – MOLOPO - The Molopo Magistrates’ Court has postponed the case involving seven accused individuals facing charges of fraud, corruption, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to 25 August.
The postponement is to allow the defence teams adequate time to consult with their clients.
The accused are: Lydia Keneliwe Sebego (65), former Head of Department, North West Department of Health; Dr Andrew Lekalakala, also a former Head of Department; Vuyo Sipho Vuyo Wesley Mbulawa (56), former Chief Director; Kabelo Elliot Andrew Motene (50), Director; Ntabeleng Florence Matlapeng (60), Deputy Director; Joseph Mojoji Leshaba (63), Director of Raliform Investment Holdings; and Roulgh Lotwane Mabe (70), Director of MR Property. They were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Mahikeng on 26 March and released on bail the same day.
The charges stem from a project by the North West Department of Health to construct hospitals in Vryburg and Ledig. It is alleged that in 2007, Ms Sebego, in her capacity as Head of Department, signed service level agreements with two companies directed by Mabe and Leshaba. These contracts were for the supply and maintenance of medical equipment for the new hospitals. However, investigations revealed that the service providers only partially fulfilled their contractual obligations. Although some equipment was reportedly purchased and some maintenance carried out, the companies allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices for undelivered equipment and services that were never rendered. These invoices were paid by the department.
The state further alleges that senior officials from the department acted in common purpose to approve these payments, despite the services not being fully delivered, resulting in a financial loss of over R86 million. It is also alleged that the department’s supply chain policies and bidding processes were disregarded during the appointment of the service providers.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, has commended the collaborative efforts of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks, which led to the arrest and court appearance of the accused.
