Former Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Roads, and Public Works, John Block, has appeared before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court in relation to the R51 million fraud case against him and two other accused.

The co-accused are the department’s former HOD, Patience Mercia Mokhali, engineering company Babereki Consulting Engineers CC and the company’s director Tshegolekae Motaung.

The case relates to the construction of the new Kimberley Mental Hospital.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the three face charges of fraud, money laundering, corruption and contravention of the Engineering Professions Act.

“It is alleged that in 2003, Babereki Consulting Engineers CC was fraudulently awarded a tender as a structural and civil engineer, as well as a project manager within the mental health hospital construction project.

“The accused, as the political head, and the former HOD [Mokhali], appointed Babereki Consulting Engineers CC, whose director is Tshegolekae Motaung, even though the company did not meet the requirements. The actual amount involved is approximately R51 million,” Senokoatsane said.

Block appeared in the court virtually on Tuesday, as he is currently serving a 15-year jail sentence at the Upington Correctional Services facility for other charges, including corruption.

“During their appearance, Block, through his legal representative, informed the court that he will be applying for bail. The bail application was set for the date of 1 August 2023. The case was remanded to 10 August 2023 for further investigation,” Senokoatsane said.

Source: South African Government News Agency