By Anastasi Mokgobu
A former Bojanala district municipal manager has been granted R10 000(US$ 562.90) bail after a brief appearance in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court.
Pogisho Shikwane (51) appeared in court on Monday following his arrest by the Hawks on Saturday.
He is facing charges of fraud and corruption in relation to a tender worth of over R2.4 million(US$ 135,240).
It is alleged that in 2017 while serving as acting municipal manager, he irregularly appointed a company called Big Time Strategic Consultants to provide Information Communication Technology audit services and development of an ICT strategy for the municipality.
The tender was worth more than R2.4 million.
“It is reported that Big Time Strategic Consultants was at the time appointed to render the same services at Moses Kotane Municipality where the accused previously served as a municipal manager. The accused allegedly obtained written consent to inherit the said contract from Moses Kotane Municipality as per Regulation 32 of 2005 of the Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations.
“Subsequent to the appointment, it is alleged that services were not rendered to Bojanala District Municipality, however over R2.4 million was allegedly paid unlawfully to Big Time Strategic Consultants,” says Hawks spokesperson Tlangelani Rikhotso.
Rikhotso says the accused was charged with two counts of contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
The case has been postponed to 26 September.
