HOD Humprey Tsoarelo Malakoane (56), who is also the former HOD of Sports, Arts and Culture, appeared in the Welkom Magistrate's Court on Wednesday 21 September 2022 to face the mentioned charges relating to the ANC's Winnie Mandela Museum. The accused allegedly squandered and stole over R700 000 meant to build the Winnie Mandela Museum in Winnie Mandela town, formerly known as Brandfort, between 2008 and 2012. 

According to the Hawk's provincial spokesperson, Christopher Singo, the unit is currently on the hunt for more suspects linked to the crime. This group has, however, been released on bail ranging from R3000 to R20 000 and is set to re-appear at the same court on 11 November 2022 whilst the pursuit of other suspects takes place. The accused were arrested on Tuesday 20 September 2022 in Bloemfontein, Thaba Nchu, Welkom and Pretoria respectively.

“The accused Humphrey Tsoarelo Malakoane (56),  former HOD: Sports and Culture, the current HOD of the Department of Education; Nontsikelelo Eunice Aaron (55), former Municipal Manager (MM) of the Lejweleputswa District Municipality; Lebogang Aubrey Sebeela (47), former Director SCM Sports and Culture; Monyane Matthews Sefantse (53), former MM of the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, the current MM of the Nketoane Local Municipality; Errens Lodewikus Celliers (80), company director; and Sithiwe Thubane (47), company director, appeared before the Welkom Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. The case has been postponed to 11 November 2022 for the tracing of another suspect. All the accused were granted R20 000 bail each, except for Aaron, who was granted R3 000 bail, and Celliers who was granted R10 000 bail,” Singo adds.

The department allocated money but it was misused with service providers allegedly having been appointed without following the proper procurement processes. The group also faces charges relating to the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and the contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

OFM News previously reported that the current head of the Free State Health Department, Godfrey Mahlatsi, appeared in court this year over alleged tender fraud amounting to over R8 million. 

According to Singo, the alleged fraud took place between 2011 and 2015, involving several service providers. It’s alleged the invoices the department used to pay out over R8 million to said service providers, were falsified and forged.

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Another former HOD of Human Settlements in the Free State stand accused in the R255 million asbestos project. Nthimotse Mokhesi and 16 others will appear in the Free State High Court on Friday 23 September for the continuation of his trial.

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Some of the suspects in the asbestos case include former Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, former MEC Olly Mlamleli, and business owner Edwin Sodi.

OFM News