Staff Reporter.
Four suspects, including the former Head of Department for Transport in North West and a SA Express employee, have been arrested in relation to a tender corruption case worth R400 million.
The four suspects were arrested simultaneously in Gauteng and the North West on Thursday.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects appeared on Friday morning at the Mahikeng Magistrate’s court.
The suspects face 34 counts, including fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
Mogale said the case is one of those that had been recommended for investigation by the State Capture Commission, adding that the Hawks will continue to follow the Commission’s recommendations.
The four suspects were linked to a project where they tried to reintroduce commercial aircraft to the Mahikeng and Pilanesberg airports in 2014. A project worth R400 million.
Mogale said the deal was “riddled” with procurement irregularities. Furthermore, she said the monies were paid for the project, but the services were not rendered.
“The North West government allegedly appointed a service provider to render the service, but this was done without following the proper supply chain management processes. The irregularly secured agreement is said to have been signed by four accused. The HOD signed on behalf of the Department of Transport.
Mogale said that more charges could be added on once the cases have been centralised.