Court separates accused in the PPE tender fraud case

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The personal protective equipment (PPE) tender fraud case against Kishene Chetty has been postponed August 1, by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge.

National Prosecuting Authority said this is for them to provide instructions to their legal representatives, while the other 11 accused in the same matter are expected back in court in July 4, to confirm the completion of their applications for legal aid.

The controversial businessperson Chetty and fifteen of his co-accomplices are accused of operating a vast family racket while capturing the police’s supply chain management.

The accused are facing 456 charges, including racketeering, fraud, corruption, theft, forgery and money laundering.

According to Henry Mamothame, Investigating Directorate spokesperson, bail was extended to 24 of the accused, while a warning was issued to one accused who is out on a warning, to return to court on the two court sittings.

“The accused are facing charges of fraud, corruption, forgery and theft relating to payments of legal fees to a firm of attorneys to benefit those who were members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the time when they were arrested, for a separate corruption case that is sitting at the Pretoria High Court, set to appear on Friday, 14 June,” he stated.

Among the accused are police officials who allegedly participated in the fraudulent processing of the tender and 22 companies and their directors, SowetanLIVE reports.

The former head of police supply chain management, Lt-Gen Ramahlapi, Mokwena and three brigadiers are also part of the accused in this matter. 

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Mamothame said proceeds of unlawfully awarded PPE contracts valued at approximately R8m to companies linked to Chetty, were allegedly used to pay for the gratifications.