WeeklySA_AdminIN THE DOCK:Former finance MEC and Superintendent-General at the Department of Health face fraud and theft charges
By Boitumelo Tshehle
The North West head of department accused to have fake his qualification to get a job in government, earning total of R8 million in salaries, is likely to know his fate before the end of this year.
Dr Thabo Lekalakala appeared in court this week, together with former Finance MEC Wendy Nelson facing charges of fraud and theft. Even though Nelson’s representative was ready with his submissions, Lekalakala’s legal representative told the court that he was not ready.
This made Judge Hendricks set the date for the duo’s next appearance as September 29, so the legal representatives of the accused can submit their oral arguments. “Seeing that you now have the opportunity to prepare written submissions, you don’t need to address me the whole day. “
“Please you can confine your oral submissions to 40 minutes at the maximum. Please, if you have the written submissions ready during the course of today and this week, please let me have it, is that understandable?” he told them.
The duo pleaded not guilty on both counts. Their charges were related to the appointment of Lekalakala to the position of Superintendent-General in the Department of Health, where Nelson was a member of the panel during the interview.
The fraud is valued at about R8 million, which is the amount Lekalakala received as remuneration as Superintendent-General at the Department of Health. Lekalakala gained infamy for giving a Gupta-linked company R30 million for a mobile clinic in 2017.
Their R20 000 bail amounts were extended until the next court appearance.
MEC SLAMS ‘BARBARIC’ ASSAULT ON UBER DRIVER
Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo has condemned the attacks on an Uber driver in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
The unnamed driver was apprehended by a group of taximen in Katlehong yesterday following a car chase which ended in his vehicle crashing into a tree, being yanked out, sjambokked and forced into a local association’s vehicle. A video of the incident went viral, showing the Uber driver being whipped mercilessly with a sjambok.
“I am appalled by the level of savagery and hate displayed by the individuals who perpetrated this act of violence. These acts are unacceptable and must be condemned. We pledge our solidarity with the victim and wish him a speedy recovery,” said Mamabolo.A suspect has reportedly been arrested on charges of assault and inflicting injuries on the Uber driver in Katlehong. Another suspect involved is being sought by the police. – Mirror Reporter
MBULI CALLS ON “DARKIE TO WAKE UP”
The People’s Poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli, is to release his latest album called Vuka Darkie, which is clarion to call blacks to wise up.
The prolific poet/musician whose uncompromising lyrics have made him a household name in South Africa and globally, in his latest eight track album continues on his crusade urging blacks to be self-reliant while also commenting on other social ills. Vuka Darkie, the title track, urges people to cease the initiative and take control of their destiny. Another monster track is entitled Covid 19, warning the people about the deadly pandemic. Other tracks include Religious Mamparas, Racism is Barbarism, uJehova.
Mbuli says the motivation behind the title Vuka Darkie is that “destiny is not determined by foreign concepts but by the choices we make”. – Ali Mphaki
SUSPECTED TAXI HITMEN NABBED
Four men arrested in connection with the killing of a Limpopo taxi owner and his companion three weeks, are expected to appear in court soon. The four were arrested after an intensified police operation. This followed the execution-style murders of Fourie Maphayi and Deborah Moila at a filling station in Mohlabaneng Cross in Limpopo on August 10. The first suspect, a 36-yearold male, was arrested in Tzaneen town with the assistance of Willikie K9 Security company.
The operation continued to Tembisa in Ekurhuleni, where three others – aged between 30 and 40 – were arrested. During the arrests, one of them allegedly sped off and was caught later after a high-speed chase and a shootout.
He will face additional charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, including of reckless and negligent driving. A 9mm pistol with ammunition and the getaway BMW 3-series and Toyota Quantum were confiscated. – Frank Maponya
PRINCIPAL FROG-MARCHED AFTER ALLEGED THEFT
Parents of learners at Rekopantswe high school in Fafung, outside the North West town of Brits, physically chased away the school’s principal after he was allegedly caught red-handed with stolen school doors last weekend.
On September 15, the parents said the incident followed a recent case of vandalism at the school. They want the education authorities to appoint a new principal. The principal was allegedly caught last Saturday, while leaving the school premises in his bakkie. A parent noticed the doors in the back of the bakkie.
A parent Miriam Motshegwa said: “A parent followed the principal until he stopped at a filling station, and that’s where he was confronted,” she said.
North West police spokeswoman Colonel Adele Myburgh said a case of theft was opened. North West education spokesman Elias Malindi was not available for a comment.
