(Photo: Provided)
A total of 33 government officials accused of allegedly looting millions of rand from the department of basic education in Mpumalanga appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
These officials were apparently involved in a fraud, corruption and money laundering scheme in which more than R100 million was looted from the education department in this province.
Lt. Col. Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Hawks, says five accused have been considered for bail due to medical conditions.
One of the suspects, who is believed to be dependent on a wheelchair, was granted bail of R5 000. Two government officials and one service provider were granted bail of R50 000. One accused, who is breastfeeding, was also released on bail of R50 000.
All the accused who have been granted bail are expected to appear in court again on March 26.
“As part of their bail conditions, the suspects must hand over their passports to the investigating officer and obtain permission from the court if they wish to leave the country.”
The other 25 suspects are expected to appear in court on Tuesday and apply for bail.
According to Nkosi, three more suspects were arrested on Monday and they are expected to appear in court on Tuesday as well.
Maroela Media earlier reported that a large-scale, multi-provincial operation was carried out in Mpumalanga in the early hours of the morning on Sunday.
The raid was assisted by the tactical operational management division (TOMS), the tactical response team (TRT) and the public order unit (POP).
Nkosi says the operation had to be expanded beyond Mpumalanga’s borders due to its scale. Members of the Falcons in Limpopo, Gauteng and the Western Cape helped with the execution of warrants.
A total of 21 suspects were arrested in Mpumalanga, four in Gauteng, one in Limpopo and one in the Western Cape.
Among the persons already arrested are nine government officials, 14 service providers and four other individuals. They are linked to fraud, corruption and money laundering.