News

R8 million lost in computer scam

The High Court found that the Department of Public Works are not liable for the theft of laptops and equipment valued at R8 million from one of their service providers.

Ubuntu Technology sued the executive council member of Public Works for 455 laptops and accessories that were delivered to the department’s Middelburg offices in 2014.
It turned out that the order was fraudulent and the laptops ended up in the hands of the thieves who orchestrated the scam.

Also read: 6 365 crimes reported in Middelburg

The court heard how Ubuntu received the order from then Director General of Public Works, Mziwonke Dlabantu, who in return testified that he never issued the order.
The court dismissed Ubuntu’s claim, saying that the fraudulent orders are not the responsibility of the department.

 

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Tobie van den Bergh

Tobie started as a journalist in September 1975. He was appointed editor of the Middelburg Observer in 1982 where he worked until he retired in 2024. He received numerous awards, is a founding member of the Forum for Community Newspapers and has published two books about his work. Although retired, Tobie is still very much involved in community journalism.
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