Sabrina Dean

Bloemfontein - Former Mangaung Mayor Papi Mokoena took the stand in the Bloemfontein High Court for the first time as the fraud and racketeering trial against him and 18 co-accused resumed today. The case against them dates back to 2005 when they were arrested at their respective work places. They are accused of defrauding the Mangaung Local Municipality of more than R100-million and collectively face 264 charges of racketeering, money-laundering, corruption and fraud. Mokoena remained calm and composed on the stand as defence lawyer Johann Nel queried him on the various allegations and charges against him. Many of these deal with catering contracts and tenders allegedly awarded to friends and family of Mokoena. He denied at any stage having had anything to do with contracts awarded to his wife's catering company after he became Mayor. Mokoena said there was "no truth" to allegations he had recommended Koena Catering. Mokoena's cross-examination continues tomorrow. Read the rest in tomorrow's Citizen.