The Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court has issued warrants of arrest for two accused after they failed to appear in court today, March 26.

Consolation Mdluli and Mpho Mthalana’s legal representatives told the court that their clients could not attend due to ill health.

The warrants of arrest against the two were conditionally withheld pending their next court appearance.

Mthalana and Mdluli are required to appear before court on April 10 and July 2 respectively. Failure to comply may result in the execution of the warrants and possible bail forfeiture.

Meanwhile, another accused, Ruth Khoza, has been instructed to appoint private legal representation after being deemed ineligible for Legal Aid due to her financial standing.

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The matter has been postponed to July 2 for docket and charge sheet disclosure, and all 40 accused are required to appear in person.

The case involves the arrest of 40 suspects in February 2026. They were charged with corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

Their arrest relates to allegations that senior government officials colluded with service providers to submit invoices for work that had not been done or was not completed.

Reports indicate that R114m was lost by the Mpumalanga Department of Education due to illegal activities.

The accused were previously granted bail ranging from R5 000 to R50 000 during court appearances held between February 23 and 27.