KIMBERLEY MENTAL HOSPITAL CASE TRANSFERRED TO THE HIGH COURT
18 FEBRUARY 2026
KIMBERLEY MENTAL HOSPITAL CASE TRANSFERRED TO THE HIGH COURT
Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Kimberley Mental Hospital matter has been transferred from the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court to the Northern Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa. A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for 23 April 2026. The accused, including former MEC for Transport, Roads and Public Works, John Fikile Block, appeared in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court where the transfer was affected.
The accused in this matter are former MEC John Fikile Block; Patience Mercia Mokhali (former HOD); Motlalepula Elias Selemela (former HOD); Ruth Palm (former HOD); Babereki Consulting Engineers CC; Tshegolekae Motaung (Director of Babereki Consulting Engineers); Lourencia Crause; Louis Adriaan Van Niekerk; Monyahi Winston Modisa; and Edward Charles Pullen Petzer. The four co-accused, Crause, Van Niekerk, Modisa, and Petzer, who were directors of Strabismis Trading (Pty) Ltd and Babereki Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd, are charged in both their personal and fiduciary capacities.
The accused face charges including fraud, corruption, money laundering, and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999. The charges relate to the construction of the Kimberley Mental Hospital, which commenced in 2005 with an initial budget of R297 million. The project’s cost allegedly escalated to more than R1 billion due to delays, poor workmanship, irregular procurement processes, and repeated changes of contractors. The financial prejudice in the matter has since increased significantly to over R88 million, resulting in additional corruption charges being brought against all accused.
This prosecution forms part of broader investigations into allegations of public corruption and the mismanagement of state funds. The accused remain on bail following their court appearances. With the matter now transferred to the High Court, the prosecution and the investigation team are focusing on trial readiness and the next phase of the prosecution process.
The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law in all matters involving public funds and service delivery.
Issued by:
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI)
Lt Colonel Tebogo Thebe
071 481 2626