Local News
TAC once again ask for FS MEC's dismissal─── SABRINA DEAN 16:46 Wed, 27 Aug 2014
Bloemfontein - The Treatment Action Campaign in the Free State has again called for the dismissal of Health MEC Benny Malakoane.
TAC members were present at the Bloemfontein Regional Court this morning where Malakoane and his co-accused appeared briefly on corruption charges relating to alleged kickbacks to the tune of R13-million for irregularly awarded contracts at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
TAC Free State Chairperson Sello Mokhalipi says with the current poor state of affairs at the health department, the province cannot afford to have its MEC fighting corruption charges in court.
The charges relate to the period between 2007 and 2010 when Malakoane was Matjhabeng municipal manager. Also in the dock were Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Mmathabo Leeto, who was formerly executive Mayor of the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Matjhabeng CFO Louis de Bruin, his personal assistant Leona Nel, Oupa Molete and Hendrik Burger.
After consulting with the state and various legal representatives, Magistrate Dawn Soomaroo postponed the case for a pre-trial conference, saying all issues must be resolved so that a trial date can be set on November 25.
A warrant of arrest was also issued for accused Rudolf Kotze, who was not present. His lawyer apologized for not bringing the necessary doctor’s note and Soomaroo stayed the execution of the warrant until November 25.
Sabrina Dean/OFM News
Sello Mokhalipi:
