Laying the charges at the Parkweg Police Station in Bloemfontein on Thursday (21/11), EFF Provincial Secretary Bosanku Msimanga said the funds meant to procure cattle for traditional leaders in the province were paid out to service providers without services being rendered. He identified these service providers as Waduku, Nkayi, Siya Enterprise, and Mncedise Sencque Scaff.

“It’s been brought to our attention that over R3 million meant to buy cattle for traditional leaders in the province has been paid to service providers without the knowledge of the accounting officer or the department’s CFO.

“To this day, no services have been rendered, yet invoices have been submitted as proof,” Msimanga said.

The payments were allegedly made during Saki Mokwena’s tenure as Agriculture MEC, a situation the EFF views as a blatant disregard for financial accountability and good governance.

“The sustained attack on the public purse by those tasked with protecting it is a direct threat to good governance,” Msimanga added, calling for transparency in how public funds are managed and vowing The EFF would continue to expose and challenge any irregularities in the province.

This marks the second case the EFF has opened in recent weeks. The party previously filed a corruption case against Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, who is now on special leave, and her Mangaung Metro Speaker husband, Lawrence Mathae.

The couple is accused of engaging in illegal dealings with service providers.

OFM News has sent an inquiry to the department.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh