Dr. Thabo Lekalakala (58) was arrested by the Hawks this week following allegations of fraud and tender system contravention. Lekalakala, who has a pending matter of fraud, among others, was nabbed by the Hawks on Monday (2/10) along with an accomplice on a matter related to R49 million's tender fraud.  

The Gupta associate and his accomplice, Joseph Lehsbane (61), appeared at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court and were released on R10,000 and R5,000 respectively.

Joseph Lehsbane (61). Photo supplied 

The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, said the duo were implicated whilst an investigation into another corruption matter involving government officials was being carried out, where the department lost R135 million.

It’s alleged that Lydia Sebego was the HOD before Lekalakala signed a level service agreement with service providers which resulted in the department losing R86 million. However, when Lekalakala was later appointed as the HOD, he also signed a service-level agreement with the same provider, where the department lost R49 million. 

They allegedly disregarded the Public Finance Management Act. So far, five people have been arrested by the Hawks. They include the former government HODs, the chief director of the department, and two service providers. All of the accused are out on bail ranging from R100,000 to R5,000. Their ages range from 54 to 69. The case has been postponed to 13 January.

“The Molopo Magistrate's Court postponed the case against Lekalakala, the former HOD at the North West Department of Health, and Leshabane, to 31 January for further investigations. Lekalakala is facing two charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and two of fraud, and he was granted R10,000 bail. Leshabane is charged with his company, Raliform Investment, on six counts of fraud amounting to over R49 million, and he was granted bail of R50,000,” Mamothame said.

The other three officials implicated in the fraud matter include Sebego (63), who is the former Head of Health, Vuyo Mbulawa (54), Chief Director of Health, and Roulgh Lotwane Mabe (69), a service provider. They previously appeared in court on 29 September 2023. Sebego was released on R10,000 bail, Mbulawa R20,000, and Mabe R100,000.

“Sebego is facing two charges of Contravening the Public Finance Management Act, Mbulawa is facing ten charges of fraud, and Mabe is charged with six counts of fraud. During 2008 and 2009, the North West sought to build two hospitals in Ledig [Moses Kotane Hospital] and Vryburg [Joe Morolong Hospital]. A tender was subsequently awarded to MR Property (Pty) Ltd, a company belonging to Mabe.”  

The charges against the two former heads of department relate to Service Level Agreements that were signed between the two companies and their directors on services that needed to be rendered to the two hospitals.

The state’s evidence further reveals that the two HODs signed the Service Level Agreements, while they knew that the two companies were not compliant and did not meet the requirements. The said services were allegedly not rendered, while these companies allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices, which were paid by the department after being authorised by Mbulawa.
 
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