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The National Prosecuting Authority in the Eastern Cape says a businessman appeared in court as the 21st accused in the ongoing probe into cases of corruption at Fort Hare University.
NPA regional spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said Justin Peter King, appeared in the Alice Magistrates' Court, sitting in Dimbaza where he was granted bail of R50 000 like his co-accused in the University of Fort Hare (UFH) fraud and corruption case.
“King is alleged to have used his cash loan business to provide cash payment gratifications to UFH staff,” he said.
Also Read: Ten more suspects released on bail in Fort Hare case
Meanwhile, Tyali said the bail application of two of the 16 persons, Terrence Joubert and Anwar Khan, will resume on Friday for judgment.
One of the accused, Isaac Plaatjies, has since abandoned bail, and should he decide to still apply for bail, the state will oppose his application.
Sarga Burger, Gosain van der Haar, Anna Smith, Paul Tladi, Lucrecia Davids, Mbulelo Gingcana, Nkateko Mawila, Nozuko Mabombo, Thamsanqa Sonjica, Craig Retief, Bradley Conradie, and Nthabiseng Makhoba, have been each released on R50 000 bail.
They were arrested over the Easter Weekend by the national task team investigating criminality at UFH, which Tyali said resulted in “murders and attempted murders.”
He said the 21, nine of whom were UFH employees, are accused of having colluded in giving each other tender contracts at the university in return for gratifications.
“The total amount of funds paid by UFH to the service providers is more than R172 million, with the bulk of it allegedly finding its way to the pockets of the accused university employees.
“The conclusion of these tenders was allegedly preceded by violent acts at UFH,” he said.
Tyali added that Plaajties was charged in a separate matter, with nine people, for the murder of UFH fleet manager, Petrus Roets, and the vice-chancellor’s bodyguard, Richard Vesele, as well as the attempted murder of the vice chancellor, Professor Sakhele Buhlungu and his deputy, Renuka Vithal.
They are due back in the Bhisho High Court on 8 October and all of them, but one, remain in custody after being denied bail.
“The accused in the corruption case, along with five business entities, namely; EL Reign PTY Ltd, Tarlec Security Solutions CC, BCHC Incorporated, Horizon Forensics PTY Ltd and Pentagon Group PTY Ltd, will be back in court on 09 May 2024,” Tyali said.
