Molopo – Seven suspects linked to dodgy contracts to supply equipment to hospitals in the North West, accused of fraud and corruption involving more than R86 million, appeared in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court, where their matter was adjourned to August.
The seven accused are:
- Former North West Department of Health Head, 65-year-old Lydia Keneliwe Sebego,
- Former Head of Department Dr. Andrew Lekalakala,
- Former Chief Director 56-year-old Sipho Vuyo Wesley Mbulawa,
- Director 50-year-old Kabelo Elliot Andrew Motene,
- Deputy Director 60-year-old Ntabeleng Florence Matlapeng,
- Director of Raliform Investment Holdings, 63-year-old Joseph Mojoji Leshaba, and
- Director of MR Property, 70-year-old Roulgh Lotwane Mabe
The fraud and graft charges stem from a 2007 project by the North West Department of Health to supply and maintain medical equipment to new hospitals in Vryburg and Ledig.
The accused face charges of fraud, corruption, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Allegations are that in 2007, Sebego, in her capacity as Head of the Department, signed service-level agreements with two companies directed by Mabe and Leshaba.
The contracts were for the supply and maintenance of medical equipment for the new hospitals.
“However, investigations revealed that the service providers only partially fulfilled their contractual obligations,” alleges the National Prosecuting Authority’s Sivenathi Gunya.
“Although some equipment was reportedly purchased and some maintenance carried out, the companies allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices for undelivered equipment and services that were never rendered.
“These invoices were paid by the department.”
The state further alleges that senior officials from the department acted in common purpose to approve these payments, despite the services not being fully delivered, resulting in a financial loss of over R86 million.
It is also alleged that the department’s supply chain policies and bidding processes were disregarded during the appointment of the service providers.
The accused were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Mahikeng on 26 March 2025 and released on bail the same day.
On Friday, 6 June 2025, the court adjourned the matter.
All the accused have been warned to return to court on 25 August 2025.
