Five suspects, including high-ranking ANC politicians, were arrested in the Free State and Gauteng by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team in the Free State.
The accused, Humphrey Tsoarelo Malakoane (56), the former HOD of the sport and culture department, Nontsikelelo Eunice Aaron (55) and Monyane Matthews Sefantse (53), the former municipal managers of the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Lebogang Aubrey Sebeela (47), former director of the SCM sports and culture department, and company directors Errens Lodewikus Celliers (80) and Sithiwe Thubane (47) appeared before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (21/09).
It is alleged that during the period from January 2008 to December 2010, money was allocated to the Brandfort Museum project, known as the Winnie Mandela Museum, by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
The project was co-ordinated by the sport, art and culture department in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality. A loss of more than R700 000 was suffered.
The charges laid against the suspects are fraud, theft, violation of the Public Finance Management Act and violation of the Municipal Financial Management Act.
The case is postponed to 11 November for tracing of outstanding suspects.
The accused were granted R20 000 bail each, except Aaron who was granted R3 000 bail and Celliers who was granted R10 000 bail.
