Tebogo Msimanga |
The Molopo Regional Court postponed a case against the former Mahikeng Local Municipality municipal manager, Thabo Isaac Mokoena to 06 September 2022, for representations. Mokoena’s court appearance is related to charges of contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), as well as the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA). These charges are linked to over R92 million the municipality invested in the VBS Mutual Bank, from August until December 2017, under his leadership as the accounting officer of the municipality.
North West National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Mokeona is alleged to have received a bribe in the form of credit facilities to purchase two expensive vehicles and a house in Klerksdorp, cumulatively amounting to more than R1,2 million.
“Preliminary investigations by the Hawks reveal that of the R92 million that was irregularly invested with VBS Mutual Bank, only R7 million was paid back to the Mahikeng local municipality”.
The court extended Mokoena’s R50 000 bail until his next court appearance. He has surrendered his passport and is prohibited from interfering with state witnesses.
