The NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, tells OFM News that they believe that the have a prima facie case against Thabo Andrew Lekalakala.

According to the state, Lekalakala is facing two charges of fraud; one of contravening the Public Finance Management Act; and another in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

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He is alleged to have fraudulently awarded a contract for mobile clinics which were meant to service rural communities in the province to the Gupta-linked healthcare company, Mediosa, in February 2017 - with a R30 million up-front payment.

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Meanwhile, Mamothame tells OFM News that Lekalakala failed to appear in court on Monday due to ill health as his trial was set to resume and as a result, the trial was then postponed to 3 October 2022.

“His defence attorney provided the court with a medical certificate. A similar project was already being implemented in the Free State province and Lekalakala, as the then accounting officer, allegedly decided to participate in the same contract and elected to apply the Treasury Regulations that allow for participation in an existing contract arranged by another organ of state, with the same contract terms.

"It was however discovered that the awarding of this contract did not comply with Treasury Regulations and the project was not budgeted for,” Mamothame adds.

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Mediosa Health allegedly received an up-front payment of R30 million and Lekalakala is alleged to have received gratification in a form of a trip to India, accompanied by his spouse and his associates. Lekalakala is out on R5000 bail and it was extended until his next court appearance.

In November 2021 OFM News reported that in a separate matter Lekalakala and former Finance MEC Wendy Nelson were both acquitted on fraud charges.

OFM News