The 43-year-old businessman, charged with defrauding the Eastern Cape Department of Education of R24m, has been released on a warning.
Durban-based businessman, Vishal Seebran appeared before the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court on Friday morning.
Seebran was warned to appear in court following an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Task Team of the Hawks which started in 2013.
The State alleges that between October and December in 2009, Seebran submitted fraudulent tax certificates and false letters to the department, in order for him to be awarded a R24m tender.
The charge sheet states that "during the period from 19 October 2009 to 21 December 2009 and at or near East London in the Regional Division of the Eastern Cape the Accused did wrongfully, falsely and with the intent to defraud, give out and pretend to the Department of Education that letters of recommendation in the name of Tevo, Office Elements, Mtuba Book Sellers and Stationers and G&T Office Supplies were genuine and issued by the said businesses in the normal course of business."
He is also accused of forgery for allegedly "unlawfully, falsely and with the intent to defraud and to the prejudice or potential prejudice of the Department of Education and/or SARS forged an instruments in writing to wit: a Tax Clearance Certificate."
The case was postponed to the 19th of October.
