Picture: The former Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Public Works and Roads, John Block/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
A fraud case against the disgraced former Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Roads and Public Works, John Block has been postponed to 10 August 2023. Block along with his two co-accused, the former Head of Department (HoD), Patience Mercia Mokhali and the Director of Babereki Consulting Engineers CC, Tshegolekae Motaung briefly appeared before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court in relation to the R51 million fraud case against them.
The case relates to the construction of the new Kimberley Mental Hospital.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said Block, Mokhali and Motaung are facing charges of fraud, money laundering, corruption and contravention of the Engineering Professions Act.
“It is alleged that in 2003, Babereki Consulting Engineers CC was fraudulently awarded a tender as a structural and civil engineer, as well as a project manager within the mental health hospital construction project.
“Block as the political head and the former HOD, Mokhali, allegedly appointed Babereki Consulting Engineers CC, whose director is Tshegolekae Motaung, even though the company did not meet the requirements. The actual amount involved is approximately R51 million,” said Senokoatsane.
He further said Block appeared in the court virtually on Tuesday, as he is currently serving a 15-year jail sentence at the Upington Correctional Services facility for other charges, including corruption.
Senokoatsane added that, during their appearance, Block, through his legal representative, informed the court that he will be applying for bail.
“The bail application was set for the date of 1 August 2023. The case was remanded to 10 August 2023 for further investigation,” he said.
TaungDailyNews 