The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed today, July 25, that the University of Fort Hare (UFH) fraud, corruption and money laundering case has been split into five legs, which will be allocated to five different presiding Regional Court Magistrates in the East London Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali said the five legs, which involve 21 accused, who are UFH employees, service providers, and their business entities, have now been separated after finalisation of charge sheets, and each magistrate will arrange trial dates with the respective legal representatives.
Tyali stated that nine of the accused were UFH employees who, together with service providers and their companies, are accused of having colluded in the awarding of tender contracts at UFH in return for gratifications.
“More than R172 million was paid by UFH to the service providers, with the bulk allegedly finding its way into the pockets of the accused university employees,” Tyali explained.
He said the conclusion of these tenders was allegedly associated with violent acts, including murder, at UFH.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP): Eastern Cape has withdrawn charges against Sarah Burger, who was initially charged with the 21 accused. This decision was taken after lengthy engagements between the complainant (UFH), the Eastern Cape prosecution team and Ms Burger’s legal representatives,” he further explained.
“The decision to separate the case into different legs with tailored prosecution strategies for each will expedite and simplify the prosecution of this complex and multifaceted case which covers charges ranging from fraud and corruption to murder,” he concluded.
