Four people and three companies have been charged with fraud and corruption in connection with a R400 million SA Express tender.
Tebogo van Wyk, 40; Nothando Dube, 44; Sipho Levy Phiri, 39; Thabang Mahlakoleng, 54; and the companies Batsamai Investment Holdings, Sevilex Investment Holdings, and Lavao, Estevao (Pty) Ltd appeared in the North West’s Molopo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the case has been postponed until March 30, 2023, for an application to the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions for racketeering charges to be added.
They were arrested in September and charged with 34 counts of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and violating the Public Finance Management Act.
Van Wyk is free on bail of R500 000, Dube on R35 000, Phiri on R150 000, and Mahlakoleng on R50 000.
According to Mamothame, the North West government began a process in 2014 to reintroduce commercial aircraft to the province’s two airports in Mahikeng and Pilanesberg at a cost of R400 million.
He claimed that the provincial government hired SA Express as a service provider, but that it failed to follow proper supply chain management procedures.
Van Wyk is free on bail of R500 000, Dube on R35 000, Phiri on R150 000, and Mahlakoleng on R50 000.
According to Mamothame, the North West government began a process in 2014 to reintroduce commercial aircraft to the province’s two airports in Mahikeng and Pilanesberg at a cost of R400 million.
He claimed that the provincial government hired SA Express as a service provider, but that it failed to follow proper supply chain management procedures.
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