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Former Northern Cape MEC of Transport, Roads and Public Works in the Northern Cape, John Block, made a brief appearance in the Upington Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on a charge of fraud.
The National Prosecuting Authority said Block’s court appearance relates to the alleged fraudulent awarding of a tender to Babereki Consulting Engineers back in 2003.
NPA regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said Block as the political head of the Department at the time as well as former HOD, Patience Mokhali, appointed Babereki Consulting Engineers CC, even though the company did not meet the requirements.
“The actual amount involved is approximately R51 million,” he said.
Block was remanded in custody as he is currently serving a 15-year sentence at the Upington Correctional Centre, on charges which include amongst others corruption.
Senokoatsane said Block would be back in the dock in the Kimberly Magistrate’s Court with co-accused Patience Mercia Nokhwezi Mokhali, and Tshegolekae Motaung, on 11 July for the next court appearance.
