Some of the accused who applied for bail in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has confirmed that 38 out of 40 accused persons appeared before court on March 26 in connection with the R114 million Mpumalanga Department of Basic Education corruption case.
According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Magonseni Nkosi, the accused face charges including corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act.
They were previously granted bail ranging from R5,000 to R50,000 during court appearances held between 23 and February 27.
“Two accused, Consolation Mdluli and Brigitt Mthalana, failed to appear in court. Their legal representatives cited medical reasons for their absence. The court authorised warrants of arrest for both individuals, which were conditionally withheld. Mthalana is required to appear before court on 10 April, while Mdluli is expected to appear on 2 July. Failure to comply may result in the execution of the warrants and possible bail forfeiture,” he said.
Nkosi added that, in a related matter, Ruth Khoza has been instructed to appoint private legal representation after being deemed ineligible for Legal Aid due to her financial status.
The case has been postponed to 2 July for docket and charge sheet disclosure. The accused were previously granted bail ranging from R5,000 to R50,000 during court appearances held between 23 and 27 February. All accused persons are expected to appear in court in person.
