The NPA is ready to prosecute a repeat offender and disgraced former North West municipal manager accused of double counts of fraud, amounting to a million.

The fraud-accused Patrick Shikwane (51) and his co-accused Moses Malesa (51) appeared at the Bojanala Magistrate’s Court and the case was postponed. The NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, said it is postponed to 30 November 2023 for further documentation to be provided to the defence team in preparation for pre-trial conferencing.

Shikwane is a former municipal manager for Bojanala and Malesa is a service provider who was paid the aforementioned monies without due process being followed by Shikwane when he awarded the controversial tender in December 2018.

“According to the Hawks Shikwane allegedly appointed Marole Nameng Trading to supply Bojanala District Municipality with disaster relief materials in December 2018. The accused allegedly authorised payment of over R1 million to Marole Trading without following proper supply chain processes. Marole Nameng Trading, which Malesa is the director of, received payment but never delivered the procured materials.” 

Shikwane was arrested on 26 September 2023 in Hartbeespoort, while Malesa handed himself over the next day. 

“He is out on R10,000 bail, while Malesa was released on R5,000. Investigations into the matter have been completed and the state is ready to proceed with trial,” Mamothame added.

OFM News reported in 2022 that Shikwane was also arrested for wrongdoing linked to an R2,4 million tender.

He is also linked to another case of fraud where millions of taxpayer’s money was allegedly looted according to a forensic report.

He is accused of splashing R2 million on two laptops, R10 million on an Events Management Company that doesn’t have an address, R359,000 on lunch and transport for councillors to attend a one-day ward committee meeting, and R299,000 for 60 food parcels.

This has since attracted a public outcry. Among those who are scathing against the alleged blatant corruption is SAFTU’s national spokesperson, Trevor Shaku. He said the federation is appalled and disgusted to learn of the allegations.

“The R134 million is said to have been erroneously transferred to Bojanala Municipality. Its true destination was Rustenburg Municipality, where it was meant to build houses. 

“Despite the housing crisis caused by low income for working-class households, poverty, and backlog in government-funded houses, the municipal leaders still have the temerity to loot funds so desperately needed for such services. Corruption and fiscal austerity are responsible for the collapsing of public service,” Shaku said.

OFM News/Lucky Nkuyane