The legal teams of Thabo Lekalakala, Wendy Nelson and the state are set to present their closing arguments as the trial is nearing completion this month. The National Prosecution Authority's (NPA) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, says the R8 million fraud and corruption trial will once again resume on 29 September 2021. 

He says the two accused are facing charges of fraud related to the appointment of Lekalakala in the position of HOD Health, where Nelson was chairing the panel during the interview. Mamothame says at the time of the said interview, Nelson allegedly had knowledge of Lekalakala’s misrepresentation in his CV but went on to recommend him for this senior position.

Nelson also allegedly failed to disclose the misrepresentation to the then Premier of the Province, Supra Mahumapelo. 

"Judge Ronald Hendricks ordered both the state and the accused's legal representatives to submit their closing arguments before the set date. This, he said, will shorten the time of closing arguments when the matter returns to court. The state is ready to proceed with its closing arguments and will also make the submissions, as ordered by the judge," he adds.

OFM News previously reported that Lekalakala was in 2020 booted out by then Premier, Job Mokgoro, after a disciplinary hearing by a committee of the department found him guilty on five charges, including fraud.

Lekalakala, among other instances, allegedly paid R30 million upfront to the then Gupta-linked company, Mediosa, for operating a mobile clinic. In 2018, the Hawks investigated Lekalakala and he was arrested. He and Nelson are currently out on bail of R20 000.

OFM News