Trifecta was issued with a R1, 2 million fine and will forfeit R53 million worth of assets, while Block and Scholtz will forfeit R2 million and R6 million to the state respectively. 

The pair were found guilty of corruption and money laundering, connected to the leasing of buildings for the provincial Social Development department, from the Trifecta group of companies. 

Judge Phatsoane sentenced Block to 15 years for corruption and 12 years for money laundering. Scholtz was convicted of two counts of corruption and two counts of money laundering. He was sentenced to 15 years for each count of corruption and 12 years for each count of money laundering. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. Trifecta Group of Companies owned by Scholtz were also found guilty and fined a total amount of R1, 275m.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit in the NPA was also granted a confiscation order against Trifecta Group of Companies and Scholtz amounting to R60m. Judge Phatsoane granted the order in terms of Section 18 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The R60m will be paid over to the National Treasury.

Earlier today, Block's legal team applied to have the sentencing postponed for four months, in order for the Judicial Services Commission to investigate a charge of impropriety against Judge Mmathebe Phatsoane. 

OFM News correspondent, Sandi Kwon Hoo, says the pair intend to appeal their sentences.

"Judge Mmathebe Phatsoane agreed to extend the bail of the accused until Wednesday, to allow for the defence to apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeals, both against their convictions and sentences. She dismissed the application that was lodged against her at the Judicial Service Commission."

Sandi Kwon Hoo/OFM News