MEC’s husband in hot water for fraud

Zwelakhe Phukwana, husband of the MEC for Transport, Safety, Security and Liaison Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana is expected to appear in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court again on 28 October on charges of fraud and corruption.
Hawks Spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed the court date and said Phukwana’s arrest early in June followed intense investigations after he was suspected of receiving kickbacks amounting to R350 000 from a company appointed to build 3 000 low cost houses as well as the installation of services in two extensions in Vryburg.
“The offences occurred between January 2007 and August 2008 when Phukwana was the Municipal Manager at Naledi Municipality,” Mulaudzi said.
It is reported that the investigations started earlier this year when the Hawks received a tip-off about activities of corruption which might involve Phukwana. It was discovered that money was reportedly paid into his account and a docket was opened resulting in a warrant of arrest being issued on 27 May.
The total tender amount for the building of the houses was reportedly R216 million and it is alleged that no competitive process was followed in the awarding thereof.

Story: RC Myburgh
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