The Makhanda High Court has confirmed the R165 million restraining order against Amathole District Municipality (ADM) officials, directors of businesses and their businesses who are charged with fraud, corruption, money laundering, assisting another to benefit from proceeds of unlawful activities and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
The court’s confirmation of the restraining order was made on May 16.
The accused Ntsokolo Chris Magwangqana (64), Nkosinathi Rooseveld Soga (62), Mpumelelo Vincent Shezi (45), Lulama Taleni (45), Ongama Mahlawe (55), Goodman Ntandazo Vimba (46), Bongani Mpeluza (50), Eddison Vuyani Gaga (37), Hellen Busisiwe Kwinana-Boadi (54) and Lovemore Khativhu (41) have been released on bail.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said, “It is alleged that in 2013, Amathole District Municipality embarked on a project of Accelerated Sanitation Programme where 66 700 ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets in various villages within the Amathole District Municipality were to be erected. An amount of R631 million was allocated for the project and Siyenza Group was appointed to execute.
“After the payment of the first trench, National Treasury lodged a complaint that the company Siyenza Group submitted two false tax certificates prior to the awarding of the tender. Investigations ensued and the money to the value of more than R149 million was traced to a number of beneficiaries’ accounts, besides the R16 million house which was bought by the director of Siyenza Group using the funds acquired for the project.”
According to Mgolodela, the money and the house were confiscated, and the provisional restraint order was granted on December 2, 2019, after their arrest on November 22 of the same year followed by the confirmation of permanence on May 16 this year.
“The matter, currently on Makhanda High Court roll, was remanded to September 20 this year as some of the accused lodged representations to the National Director of Public Prosecution,” Mgolodela added.
The joint effort of the Special Investigation Unit Task Team of Anti – Corruption, East London Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and the office of the National Prosecuting Authority were commended by the Hawks provincial head Major General Obed Ngwenya for the sterling job.
