The Mmabatho Regional Court Mmabatho, Mahikeng, is finally set to rule on the fraud and corruption charges against a former top North West government official.

In what magistrate Abigail Juris described as a lengthy case, former supply chain director at the provincial department of agriculture Jessica Rakoma, who was 35 at the time of her arrest five years ago, will finally know her fate.

She has pleaded not guilty on both counts even though she was caught on camera by the police.

Rakoma was arrested in a sting operation in March 2011 after she allegedly solicited a bribe of R150000 from a service provider in exchange for a security tender.

The R6.1-million tender was suppose to run for three years at the department's Ngaka Modiri Molema offices.

The service provider who had already won the tender before Rakoma's demand, worked with the police and a sting operation was conducted.

She was arrested near Mahikeng while trying to drive away with a briefcase that had a R150000.

The police also found a pile of tender documents at her house during their search.

Her case was postponed after her legal representative pulled out because Rakoma could not afford the legal bills.

On Monday, Rakoma, who is believed to have two posh houses and assets, applied for a legal aid representative.

She has already changed her private lawyers four times.

They allegedly pulled out after she refused to plead guilty despite being caught on camera.

Juris pleaded with the state and the Legal Aid Board representative to make sure the trial is finalised as it has been dragging on for a long time.

Rakoma's R20000 bail was extended until her next court appearance on October 18 when the trial continues.

tshehleb@sowetan.co.za