Picture: Bojanala District Municipality logo
By OBAKENG MAJE
A fraud case against the former municipal manager at Bojanala District Municipality has been postponed for a pre-trial conference. Patrick Shikwane (51) and the Director of Marole Nameng Trading, Moses Malesa (51) were arrested by the Hawks on 26 September 2023.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, in 2018, Shikwane allegedly appointed Marole Nameng Trading to supply Bojanala District Municipality with disaster relief materials.
Mamothame said Sikwane allegedly authorised payment to the tune of over R1 million to Marole Trading without following proper supply chain processes. He further said, Marole Nameng Trading received payment, but never delivered the procured materials.
“Following an investigation, the accused were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit. Shikwane was arrested in Hartbeespoort on 26 September 2023, while Malesa handed himself over on 27 September 2023.
“Shikwane is out on R10 000 bail, while Malesa was released on R5 000. Investigations into the matter have been completed and the state is ready to proceed with trial. The Rustenburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court postponed the case to 30 November 2023, for further documentation to be provided to the defence team in preparation for pre-trial conferencing,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, together with the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the teams from their respective entities for the progress made in the case.
The Guardian 