Staff Reporter.
The Mahikeng municipality’s former municipal manager appeared in court with regard to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal.
Thabo Isaac Mokwena faces charges related to investing municipal money, allegedly in exchange for a generous personal credit line.
On Wednesday, he appeared in the Mahikeng Regional Court to face charges under the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
He was granted bail of R50 000, and the case was postponed to 16 November to allow for further investigation.
“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,” said NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga.
“He further told the court that he suffers from chronic high blood pressure and ulcer. The state did not oppose the bail application.”
The accused was granted bail on condition that he surrender his passport and not interfere with state witnesses.
The Hawks allege that R92 million of the municipality’s money was invested in VBS, in contravention of the MFMA.
The NPA said this was allegedly done under Mokwena’s leadership as the accounting officer between August 2017 and December 2017.
Mokwena’s facing charges for corruption and contravening the municipal finance management act.