Thabo Isaac Mokoena appeared in the Molopo Regional Court in North West to face charges related to R92 million which the municipality invested in the now defunct VBS Mutual Bank.

NPA regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, has confirmed the matter was postponed to 22 November 2022, for representation.

Mamothame says the defence attorney representing Mokoena committed to submit written representations to the state within a week, after the last court sitting on July 26.

This commitment was however not fulfilled. Mokoena has since been warned against unwarranted delays and was also instructed to consult with his legal representative in advance to avoid further delays.

Mokoena's R50 000 bail was extended until his next court appearance.

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“Mokoena’s court appearance is related to charges of contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), as well as the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA). These charges are linked to over R92 million the municipality invested in the VBS Mutual Bank, from August until December 2017, under his leadership as the accounting officer of the municipality. In terms of the MFMA, this investment was irregular and prohibited. Mokoena is also alleged to have received gratification in the form of credit facilities, to purchase two expensive vehicles and a house in Klerksdorp, cumulatively amounting to more than R1, 2 million. Preliminary investigations by the Hawks revealed that of the R92 million that was irregularly invested with VBS Mutual Bank, only R7 million was paid back to the Mahikeng local municipality,” Mamothame says.

He adds that the state is ready to proceed with the trial against Mokoena pending the outcome of the representations.

ALSO READ: #VBSMutualBank: More arrests expected

“Investigations into the matter have been concluded, and the defence attorney was provided with all contents of the docket electronically in December 2021, and other additional disclosures were provided to prepare for trial. He has surrendered his passport and is prohibited from interfering with state witnesses. Advocate (Adv), Salome Veenemans, from the North Gauteng Division, representing the state, will consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions, before responding to the representations when the matter appears in November 2022,” Mamothame further adds.

ALSO READ: Mokgoro to table #VBSMutualBank report

OFM News previously reported that the National Head of the Hawks, Godfrey Lebeya, in August 2022 revealed that more arrests are expected in the VBS saga.

During a media briefing held in Pretoria, Lebeya said more than 2 391 statements have been gathered by the Hawks’ investigators. A total of 27 suspects have been arrested so far for the investment with the now defunct bank, where 20 municipalities lost at least R1,6 billion.

Four North West municipalities were found to have illegally invested R314 million of taxpayers’ money.

OFM News