Government employees face R2,9 million fraud allegations
Fake invoices were allegedly used to enrich the accused.
MBOMBELA – Three former government employees charged with fraud totalling R2,95 million will learn their fate in the Nelspruit Regional Court on January 24.
They are Jacob Zenzele Mncwango, Ntokozo Grace Mokoka and Skhumbuzo Nkosi.
It is alleged that they committed the fraud in 2012 while working for the former provincial Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs – now the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea).
According to the charge sheet, the submission of fake invoices resulted in the department enriching the three and another woman, Mildred Thandi Mndawe, by close to R3 million.
The department and the Endlovini Community Project Association were the victims of the fraud.
The association was established for the benefit of successful land claimants, who were awarded portions 2 and 29 of Endlovini, a property at Hermansburg.
They were given the land in 2011. The association was, among others, tasked with facilitating the infrastructure development of the land awarded to the community.
Mncwango, Mokoka and Nkosi allegedly colluded with Mndawe, the owner of Sadia Trading CC.
In 2015 Lowvelder reported that Mndawe had created fraudulent quotations for work purportedly done on the farm. Based on the invoices that were allegedly submitted by Mncwango, Mokoka and Nkosi, the department paid R2,95 million to Sadia Trading.
The money was paid into Mndawe’s bank account. She had allegedly paid various amounts to the other three and was given R250 000 herself. She bought a Polo Vivo and settled some debts.
She pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced.
Mndawe had to pay a fine of R30 000 or spend four years in jail, suspended for five years. She had to pay the victims R10 000 and the value of her Polo Vivo.
Mncwango, Mokoka and Nkosi pleaded not guilty and closing arguments by the state and defence were heard in November.
Magistrate Shiela Msibi is expected to deliver judgement on January 24.
