EASTERN CAPE – Lukhanyo Cornelius Fesi (44) was arrested by the East London based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team for charges of tender fraud in the early hours of 25 January 2023.

It is alleged that during 2012, Fesi as the Financial Management Assistant Director at the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform was requested to compile an internal memorandum for purchasing of promotional material in preparation for a presidential visit in Mbizana.

It is further alleged that a supplier was approached by Fesi and asked for quotations on bags and it is further reported that on seeing the bag sample, he stated to the supplier that the bags would be suitable for his church. A quotation was submitted by the supplier and an order was issued by the department not aware that Fesi had already allegedly given the supplier the logo of his church as an inscription on the said bags.

It is further reported that the supplier was later instructed by Fesi to deliver 300 bags worth R27 000 at his home which the supplier reportedly did. The department paid for the bags and R3000 was allegedly paid by the supplier to Fesi as per his demand during the process.

It was later established that the department never received the promotional material as requested although the payment was made to the supplier and a case of fraud was reported to the Hawks in 2016. He made a short appearance in the Zwelitsha Magistrate’s Court on the same day where he was released on R2000-00 bail. The matter was remanded to 27 February 2023 for legal representation and to determine the court of trial as the matter is trial ready.

Source: South African Police Service