Zama Fakude (46), who is among the 41 accused in the R114m Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE) corruption and money laundering investigation, was granted R30 000 bail in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, October 21.

Fakude made his second court appearance for the continuation of his bail application after handing himself over to the police on October 15.

He initially appeared alongside Pastor Thandekile Sibiya on October 15, but his bail application was partially heard while Sibiya was granted R10 000 bail on the same day.

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The alleged roles of the two accused in the matter were not mentioned in court.

At the time, Fakude was remanded in custody pending the continuation of his bail proceedings today.

Court sets strict bail conditions

“During today’s proceedings, the State did not oppose his bail application, and the court granted him bail subject to strict conditions. These include surrendering his travelling documents to the investigating officer and refraining from interfering with state witnesses,” said Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi.

This came after the defence told the court that he was not a flight risk, had handed himself over to the police to show his co-operation, and that he would attend court at all future court dates.

Fakude is expected to join his 40 co-accused when the matter returns to court on December 1.

Hawks net 40 suspects across 4 provinces

The investigation relates to alleged corruption and financial irregularities involving the Mpumalanga DoE, with the Hawks continuing to pursue accountability in the matter.

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The Hawks rounded up at least 40 suspects during February in connection with the investigation.

The arrests were made in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Some of the suspects are former senior government officials while others were service providers, some of whom allegedly received millions of rand in payments for services that had not been rendered.