Mokoena appeared in court on charges of contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), as well as the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

These charges are linked to over R92 million the municipality invested in the VBS Mutual Bank during the period between August 2017 and December 2017, under his leadership as the accounting officer of the municipality.

In accordance to MFMA stipulations, 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 R1 275 318,96.

Preliminary investigations by the Hawks reveal that of the R92 million that was irregularly invested with VBS Mutual Bank, only R7 million was paid back to the Mahikeng Local Municipality.

In a statement, read by his legal representative for a bail plea of a reasonable amount, Mokwena indicated that he was a farmer who only gets an income every three months.

He further told the court that he suffers from chronic high blood pressure and an ulcer. The state did not oppose the bail application.

The court granted Mokoena R50 000 bail and the conditions thereof were that he surrenders his passport and that he should not interfere with state witnesses.

Statement supplied.