COURT DISMISSES APPLICATION FOR DISCHARGE IN TERMS OF SECTION 174 IN A STATE CAPTURE CASE

21 July 2025

COURT DISMISSES APPLICATION FOR DISCHARGE IN TERMS OF SECTION 174 IN A STATE CAPTURE CASE

The Johannesburg High Court has dismissed an application for a discharge in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, brought by the accused in a high-profile corruption case linked to the rehabilitation of mines. The court also ruled in favour of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), granting leave to amend the indictment on certain charges against the accused.

This development follows the closure of the State's case. The defence’s application was brought thereafter. The matter has been postponed to 25 May 2026 and is set down until 12 June 2026, during which period the defence is expected to call its witnesses.

The accused include the former Deputy Director-General of the then Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), Joel Raphela, as well as Ronica Ragavan, Pushpaveni Govender, and entities linked to the Gupta family—Optimum Coal Mine, Koornfontein Mines, and Tegeta Exploration and Resources. They face 11 charges, including: Fraud, Contravention of Regulation 4 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), Contravention of Regulation 7 of the National Environmental Management Act, Money laundering, Forgery, Uttering and Perjury. All accused have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Enquiries:

Henry Mamothame

IDAC Spokesperson

082 317 5731