The court postponed the case against Gabonewe Ridam Madikela, 39, to 19 April 2023, for her case to be transferred to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for trial. 

"The court further granted her R10 000 bail and she was ordered to surrender her passport to the investigating officer," says Henry Mamothame, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in North West. 

Madikela was arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on 27 March following an investigation into her alleged offence.

She was employed by the Moses Kotane Municipality as a director in charge of Local Economic Development during the period in question, from April to September 2022. Her contract commenced on July 1 July 2019 and was to end on 30 June 2024, with an all-inclusive annual salary of R1 274 619.

It is alleged that in March 2022 the accused applied for study leave from 30 March 2022 to 24 May 2022, with a confirmation letter from an institution of higher learning. On 29 March 2022, she applied for 39 days annual leave from 8 May 2022 to 27 June 2022, with the municipality granting her leave on both applications. 

Towards the end of her annual leave, she submitted sick notes from a private medical facility, purportedly issued by her doctor, indicating that she was sickly and hospitalised.

ALSO READ: North West municipal director arrested for fraud

Investigations by the Hawks revealed that during the period of her leave and purported illness, she was employed by the Department of Water and Sanitation as a director, while still earning a salary from the Moses Kotane Municipality. 

Investigations reveal the reasons provided for her leave were false, including supporting documents from the institution of higher learning, as well as the medical certificates she provided as proof.

"Investigations into the matter have been completed and the accused is expected to be back in court when the matter resumes in April 2023," says Mamothame. 

OFM News