Two suspects appear before court on fraud charges valued at over R1,7 million

Two suspects appear before court on fraud charges valued at over R1,7 million

The Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court postponed the case against Obakeng Glen Mokgale (39) and Orebotse James Tlale (40), to 15 August 2023 for the arrest of the remaining suspects before the matter is transferred to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for trial. The court granted each R30 000 bail and they were warned not to interfere with the state’s witnesses and to avail themselves for the next court sitting.

The two, who are former employees of the Rustenburg Local Municipality, were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on Wednesday, 19 July 2023, and charged with four counts of fraud.

These charges relate to a tender which was awarded by the Rustenburg Local Municipality, for High Mast Lights to be installed at the Kanana phase 2 and Robega phase 2, in Rustenburg. All procurement processes were duly followed for the tender to be awarded. Investigations reveal that the tender was awarded to a company that was not compliant, owing to the fraudulent documents that were submitted in order to be awarded the tender. The two were notified of the noncompliance but continued to recommend for the tender to be awarded to the said company.

The company is said to have also submitted fraudulent invoices amounting to over R1,7-million, for a service that was not rendered. The accused continued to sign the procurement documents, pretending to have seen the service that was rendered, for payment to be processed. The municipality has since instituted internal disciplinary processes which resulted in the dismissal of the two, and criminal charges were subsequently registered. Police are expected to conduct the arrest of the remaining suspects before the next court sitting. Investigations into the matter are completed and the state is ready to proceed with trial.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the Provincial Head for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, have lauded the investigation and prosecution team for the arrest that led to the court appearance. They reaffirmed their commitment of their respective institutions in fighting fraud and corruption in the province.

Issued by,

Henry Mamothame

NPA Regional Spokesperson

North West Division

082 317 5731