NORTHERN CAPE – Nevie Aubrey Baartman (62), a former Municipal Manager and two company directors appeared in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court today facing the charges of fraud amounting to R79.9 million.

They were served with a summons by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team on Wednesday, 02 June 2021 compelling them to appear before court.

It is alleged that Maralise Lunnette Cloete (38) and Zihaadt Ismial Cloete (41) were the directors of a construction company that was selected as a successful bidder by the Nama Khoi Municipality in Springbok in 2013. This follows an advertised tenders to render a paving stones and curbs service for a period of three years.

Furthermore, it is alleged that the company did not meet the necessary requirements and the procurement process was allegedly flouted. Subsequently the municipality suffered a loss of approximately R79.9 million.

The matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team which culminated to them facing a charge of fraud along with a juristic person (an entity). 

The trio are expected to appear again in the same court on Monday, 20 September 2021.

Source: South African Police Service