The arrests of the former SA Express commercial manager, Tebogo van Wyk, Nothando Dube, Thabang Mohlokoleng, and Sipho Phiri, who are facing schedule 5 charges relating to alleged corrupt activities and fraud, were initiated by the NPA to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. 

The four accused appeared in court on Monday in the case against them and three companies, Batsamai Investment Holdings, Sevilex Investment Holdings and Lavao, Estevao (PTY) Ltd. It was postponed to 14 August for legal representation and pretrial conferencing.

North West National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, said the state intends requesting for an alteration on the indictment, which subsequently led to Van Wyk, Dube and Phiri’s attorney requesting a postponement to engage with further particulars relating to the indictment.

In 2014, the North West government embarked on a process to reintroduce commercial aircraft to the province’s two airports, Mahikeng and Pilanesberg, on a contract estimated at R400 million. The amount of R183 million was then paid to SA Express between 2015 and 2017 for the services rendered by the ground management companies, which Van Wyk, Dube and Phiri are linked to. The state alleges that of the R83 million, an amount of R51 million was channelled irregularly through the charged companies.

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Mamothame detailed that the North West government allegedly appointed SA Express as a service provider, to render the service but this was done without following the proper supply chain management processes. The irregularly secured agreement is said to have been signed by the four accused. He added that Mohlokoleng signed on behalf of the Department of Transport as the then Accounting Officer in his capacity as the head of the department. The deal was riddled with procurement irregularities and monies were paid for services not rendered.

“All companies appointed to do the ground handling services were indirectly owned by Dube and Phiri. The irregularities prejudiced the North West government of millions of rands that could have been directed to service delivery. The case was recommended for investigation by the Zondo Commission, and the DPCI will continue the investigations as recommended. This will be conducted in phases, with a possibility of more arrests being effected,” Mamothame concluded.

OFM News