THE fraud and theft trial of former Mangaung mayor Itumeleng Mokoena, his wife and 12 others was adjourned in the Bloemfontein High Court after three of the accused failed to appear in court yesterday.
Judge Albert Kruger postponed the matter until today after former municipal manager Mojalefa Matlole, Keabecoe Lekone and his partner Givenchy Hoffman failed to appear.
Matlole was reported to have been in hospital to remove stitches after he had had an operation earlier, while Lekone and Hoffman were also said to be in hospital to see their child who was involved in an accident.
Lekone's twin, Kegomodicoe, told the court his brother would be present in court today.
Judge Kruger issued a warrant of arrest for the accused should they again fail to appear in court.
Mokoena, his wife Granny, Matlole, Mzwandile and Bridget Silwana, brothers Keabecoe and Kegomodicoe Lekone, cousins Givenchy and Letitia Hoffman, Evodia Kok, Motlalepule Thithi and Buyelwa Khethelo have pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, racketeering, theft and money laundering between 2000 and 2005.
The court has heard how the municipality spent millions of rands on catering for various events and how claims of more than R120000 were processed without any tender process, despite regulations that any work over the amount should go for tender. - ntwagaes@sowetan.co.za
Ex-mayor's, co-accused fraud trial delayed
THE fraud and theft trial of former Mangaung mayor Itumeleng Mokoena, his wife and 12 others was adjourned in the Bloemfontein High Court after three of the accused failed to appear in court yesterday.
Judge Albert Kruger postponed the matter until today after former municipal manager Mojalefa Matlole, Keabecoe Lekone and his partner Givenchy Hoffman failed to appear.
Matlole was reported to have been in hospital to remove stitches after he had had an operation earlier, while Lekone and Hoffman were also said to be in hospital to see their child who was involved in an accident.
Lekone's twin, Kegomodicoe, told the court his brother would be present in court today.
Judge Kruger issued a warrant of arrest for the accused should they again fail to appear in court.
Mokoena, his wife Granny, Matlole, Mzwandile and Bridget Silwana, brothers Keabecoe and Kegomodicoe Lekone, cousins Givenchy and Letitia Hoffman, Evodia Kok, Motlalepule Thithi and Buyelwa Khethelo have pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, racketeering, theft and money laundering between 2000 and 2005.
The court has heard how the municipality spent millions of rands on catering for various events and how claims of more than R120000 were processed without any tender process, despite regulations that any work over the amount should go for tender. - ntwagaes@sowetan.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos