FORMER MEC OF TRANSPORT, ROADS, AND PUBLIC WORKS IN THE DOCK ON ALLEGED R51 MILLION TENDER FRAUD
The former MEC of Transport, Roads and Public Works in the Northern Cape, John Fikile Block(55), appeared briefly before Upington Magistrates’ court today, 30 May 2023, on a fraud allegation. It is alleged that in 2003, Babereki Consulting Engineers CC, was fraudulently awarded a tender as a structural, and civil engineer, as well as a project manager within the mental health hospital construction project.
The accused as the political head and the former HOD Patience Mercia Mokhali, appointed Babereki Consulting Engineers CC whose director is Tshegolekae Motaung, even though the company did not meet the requirements. The actual amount involved is approximately R51 million. The accused is remanded in custody as he is currently serving his 15 years of direct imprisonment at Upington Correctional Services, on other charges which include amongst others corruption. John Block, who is accused number 4 in this matter, will be joining his co-accused Patience Mercia Nokhwezi Mokhali, and Tshegolekae Motaung, in Kimberley Magistrate court on Tuesday, 11 July 2023.
