MBOMBELA – The trial for the former provincial head of the Hawks kicked off in the regional court here today.
Maj Gen Simon Mapyane stands accused of fraud after he allegedly submitted false travel claims in 2010. He was first arrested in May of last year and released on bail of R1 000. His trial date was originally set for August 13 but his defence requested a postponement.
On October 31 he was redeployed to national head office after members of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) embarked on a sit-in at the Hawks’ provincial offices over grievances which included a lack of action taken against Mapyane since his arrest.
He has been replaced by Maj Gen Yolisa Seothula who now heads the provincial office. Hawks spokesman Capt Paul Ramaloko said the decision for the move was a mutual one between Mapyane and and national Hawks head Gen Anwa Dramat.
The trial continued this afternoon. Read the full story in the next edition of Lowvelder.
