Magistrate Leavit Mkansi, who was released on R10 000 bail previously, and local businessman Stanley Bakili face charges of defeating the ends of justice, amongst others. They will appear together for the first time.

Magistrate Mkansi is accused of being in contact with Bakili about 68 times during a fraud and corruption case against Bakili earlier in 2017. Mkansi allegedly contacted Bakili whilst he was the presiding magistrate in the fraud and corruption matter in court. 

The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) regional spokesperson in the Free State, Phaladi Shuping, says the decision to refer the matter to the Regional Magistrate's court follows an instruction by the Offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).  

He allegedly refused to recuse himself from the matter at first but eventually did so when more questions and pressure mounted against him. During his previous appearance, Mkansi was expected to appear alongside Bakili, however, Bakili - who is also standing trial for the murder of Siemens in the High Court - failed to appear due to unknown circumstances. 

Bakili is accused of organising a hit on Siemens who was gunned down in the basement parking lot of Preller Square in broad daylight in May 2018.

OFM News