Three suspects, linked with more cases of fraud and corruption uncovered during the Estina investigations in the Free State, want the Provincial Department of Agriculture to pay their legal fees.
OFM News reports, this as seven suspects and one company appeared in the High Court in Bloemfontein on Wednesday during the pre-trial stage where they stand accused of fraud, corruption, and money laundering amounting to over R244 million at Rekgonne Community Projects. The company, known as Superior Quality Trading, also trades as Rekgonne Community Projects.
Accused number 3 Seipati Sylvia Dlamini, accused 6 Mokemane Ndumo, and accused 7 Mahlomola Mofokeng want the department to pay their legal bills. It’s alleged money intended for the department’s projects and Estina was unlawfully paid into Rekgonne’s business accounts and the bank accounts of the accused. Meanwhile, Judge President Craig Musi has postponed the trial to November 1 to 26 for a four-week trial.
During the investigations of the Estina case, it was discovered that there were also irregularities in the financial flow analysis of a certain account. According to a police statement, large amounts of money have allegedly been deposited into a bank account belonging to the former Chief Financial Officer for the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
OFM News previously reported that they were arrested by the Hawks in July and August in 2020 respectively for corruption, fraud, and money laundering of over R244 million.
The accused include Malikomo Lenah Mohapi, Superior Quality Trading, Dlamini, Lerato Mngomezulu, Disebo Masiteng, Ndumo, Mofokeng, and Peter Mbana Thabethe.
The state is expected to call up about 27 state witnesses to take to the stand during the course of the trial. The National Prosecution Authority’s (NPA) team will be led by Advocate Mvuseni Ponye. Judge Craig Musi is set to preside over the matter.
