By OBAKENG MAJE
A fraud case against the former Director of Local Economic Development (LED) at Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Gabonewe Madikela (39) was postponed to 19 April 2023. Madikela’s arrest emanated from her fraudulent orchestration of theft, involving her salary, while she was employed by the municipality during the period of April to September 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Madikela’s contract was to commence on 1 July 2019 and end on 30 June 2024, with an all-inclusive annual salary of R1 274 619.
“It is alleged that in March 2022, the accused applied for study leave from 30 March 2022 to 24 May 2022 with a confirmation letter from an institution of higher learning. On 29 March 2022, she applied for 39 days’ annual leave from 8 May 2022 to 27 June 2022, with the municipality granting her leave on both applications.”
Now, Mamothame said, the accused is facing six charges of fraud amounting to R522 881, which she received as remuneration for a period of six months, while she was allegedly simultaneously occupying another government post without her employer’s knowledge.
He further said, towards the end of the annual leave, Madikela submitted sick notes from a private medical facility in Akasia, purportedly issued by her doctor, indicating that she was sickly and hospitalised.
Mamothame added that, the investigations by the Hawks revealed that, during the period of her leave and purported illness, she was employed by the Department of Water and Sanitation as a Director, while still earning a salary from the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
“The investigations revealed that reasons provided for her leave were false, including supporting documents from the institution of higher learning as well as the medical certificates she provided as proof.
“The investigations into the matter have been completed and the accused is expected to be back in court when the matter resumes in April 2023. The case has also been transferred to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for trial,” he said.
Mamothame said, the court further granted her an R10 000 bail and she was ordered to surrender her passport to the investigating officer.
The Guardian 