The Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court recently convicted and sentenced Mphilisi Claude Mkhize (45) and Tholakele Gracia Nzimande (51) to three years’ imprisonment on 12 counts of tender fraud committed at Mnambithi FET College (now known as Mnambithi TVET College).
Back in April 2013, Mnambithi FET College appointed a forensic company to investigate irregularities in the procurement of goods and services at the college. This after allegations of corruption were levelled against Mkhize and Nzimande, who worked at the college as procurement officer and lecturer respectively.
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Investigations revealed that in 2011, the pair conspired and manipulated the tender processes of the college. A tender for supply and removal of waste containers at the campus was unduly awarded to Mkhize, despite the fact that no services were rendered.
The college suffered losses of up to R273,756 as a result of wasteful and fruitless expenditure.
A case of fraud was reported at Ladysmith police station and the docket was allocated to Hawks members from the Pietermaritzburg Serious Commercial Crime Unit for investigation.
The two accused were arrested in May 2015 and appeared in court several times until they were sentenced on Thursday last week (July 18).
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