Staff Reporter.
Another accused in the multimillion-rand fraud and corruption case at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape has been arrested and appeared in court.
Raymond Patel appeared before the Alice Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape on Monday on allegations of defrauding the University of Fort Hare
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Luxolo Tyali says Patel is yet another list of employees, service providers and other entities charged with fraud and corruption.
He says it is alleged that Patel was awarded a R3.6 million tender and paid R1.6 million kickbacks to university employees.
The matter was postponed to 31 March 2025, when Patel will appear alongside his co-accused Issac Plaatjies, Sarga Burger, Gosain van der Haar, Anna Smith, Paul Tladi, Lucrecia Davids, Mbulelo Gingcana, Nkateko Mawila, Nozuko Mabombo, Thamsanqa Sonjica, Craig Retief, Bradley Conradie, Terrence Joubert, Anwa Khan and Nthabiseng Makhoba.
Tyali says UFH paid more than R171 million to service providers, with the bulk allegedly going to the pockets of the accused university employees.
The latest arrests bring to 25 the number of people who are facing various charges in connection with violent crimes and corruption, which has resulted in the death of two university employees.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.