Aviation and Airlines (Commonwealth Union) _ The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that a pre-trial conference for a significant legal case is scheduled for January 24, 2024. Additionally, the trial itself is slated to commence on May 13, 2024, as confirmed by Henry Mamothame, the NPA spokesperson for the North West division.
Mamothame further explained that the court has directed both the State and defense attorneys to exchange additional details pertinent to the case. Moreover, the State is required to respond to Thabang Mohlokoleng’s intended submission of representations, which his attorney has communicated, prior to the stipulated pre-trial date.
This legal action involves individuals and companies that recently appeared before the North West High Court in Mmabatho. The accused individuals are Tebogo Van Wyk (40), Nothando Dube (44), Sipho Levy Phiri (39), and Thabang Mohlokoleng (54). Three companies, namely Batsamai Investment Holdings, Sevilex Investment Holdings, and Lavao Estevao (PTY) Ltd, are also implicated.
The charges encompass a range of offenses, including fraud, corruption, money laundering, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Further, the office of the national director of public prosecutions has authorized the addition of charges related to racketeering and has called for the case’s centralization due to offenses committed in the jurisdiction of the Gauteng local division.
The investigation into the matter reveals that, in 2014, the North West government undertook an initiative to reintroduce commercial aircraft to two airports in the province. This effort involved a substantial subsidy of approximately R400 million. Over the following years, R183 million was reportedly paid to SA Express for services related to ground management. However, irregularities were discovered in the distribution of these funds through the charged companies.
The State contends that the agreement with SA Express was improperly secured without adhering to proper supply chain management processes. The four accused parties, including Thabang Mohlokoleng, signed the agreement, with Mohlokoleng representing the department of transport at the time. The subsequent handling of funds allegedly resulted in significant irregularities, including payments for services not rendered.
The charged companies responsible for ground handling services were indirectly owned by Dube and Phiri. These alleged irregularities are believed to have led to substantial financial losses for the North West government, undermining potential investments in essential public services.
The case came under the scrutiny of the Zondo Commission and has been recommended for investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). The ongoing investigation will be conducted in phases, potentially leading to additional arrests.
Regarding bail, Tebogo Van Wyk was granted R500,000, Nothando Dube R35,000, Sipho Levy Phiri R150,000, and Thabang Mohlokoleng R50,000. The conditions of their bail stipulate that they must not evade court appearances, refrain from witness interference, and notify the investigating officer if they intend to leave their area of residence.
Link: https://www.npa.gov.za/
