20 years later, former Northern Cape MEC arrested for fraud

“Criminality will be persuade irrespective of the duration in which it happened in order for justice to prevail”- Brigadier Prince Mashimbye.

The Hawks have arrested former Northern Cape Transport, Roads and Public Works MEC on charges of fraud and will be making a brief appearance at the Kimberly Magistrates court.

The suspect revealed by the SABC as former ANC provincial head John Block, was arrested at the Upington Correctional Services facility where he is currently serving a 15 year sentence.

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PREVIOUS CHARGE

Block is convicted alongside Teifecta director Christo Scholtz. The pair was found guilty of fraud and money laundering in 2018, relating to the leasing of buildings to the Northern Cape social development department‚ which rented buildings owned by the Trifecta Group.

Block was also ordered to pay the state R2million.

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LATEST ARREST

With regards to the new charges Block faces, it is alleged that in 2003, Babereki Consulting Engineers CC was fraudulently awarded a tender as a structural civil engineer as well as project manager, during the construction of the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital.

“During his tenure as a political head the accused and the former HOD Ms. Patience Mercia Mokhali appointed Babereki Consulting Engineers CC whose director is Mr. Tshegolekae Motaung. Though the company did not meet the necessary requirements. The actual amount involved is approximately R51 million”, explains Hawks Northern Cape spokesperson Nomthandazo Mnisi.

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Mokhali and Motaung were arrested last week They too face charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The two co-accused were released on bail and will be back in court in July.

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