Deputy Director at the Free State Premier’s Office, Abigail Nakedi (39), appeared before Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of alleged fraud and corruption.
Nakedi allegedly approached a court official and solicited a stamped liberation form in exchange of a bribe in order to facilitate the release of an inmate who is serving 12 years in Goedemoed Correctional Service for a cash in transit related offence. Nakedi was arrested on 07 November 2018 by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation unit.
According to a statement released by the Hawks the court official played along and alerted the Hawks and Nakedi was arrested after paying the alleged bribe money. Upon her arrest a vehicle, cell phones, a laptop and a date stamp that was allegedly used to stamp the release form were confiscated.
Investigations continue and Nakedi has been remanded in custody and the matter was postponed to 20 November 2018 for a formal bail application.
Pierce van Heerden
