Picture: The former North West Provincial Government’s Director-General, Dr Lydia Sebego/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
Former Director-General at the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Dr Lydia Sebego (63) has been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Units along with the former Chief Director at North West Department of Health, Vuyo Mbulawa (54) and a service provider, Roulgh Lotwane Mabe (69).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the trio were arrested in Mahikeng on 28 September 2023. Mamothame said Sebego, who was also a former Head of Department at North West Department of Health, is facing two charges of Contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“Mbulawa is facing ten charges of fraud and Mabe is charged with six counts of fraud. Between 2008 and 2009, the department sought to build two hospitals, Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig and Joe Morolong Hospital in Vryburg.
“A tender was subsequently awarded to the company, MR Property (Pty) LTD, which belongs to Mabe as well as another company belonging to another suspect, who is yet to be arrested,” he said.
Mamothame further said the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) were signed between the two companies and their Directors on services that needed to be rendered to two hospitals. He added that, the said services were, however not rendered.
“These companies allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices, which were paid by the department after being authorised by Mbulawa. This allegedly led to a loss of over R86 million to the department.
“The state’s evidence further reveals that, Sebego signed the SLAs, while she knew that the two companies were not compliant and did not meet the requirements,” said Mamothame.
He said the trio briefly appeared at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court and their case was postponed to 31 January 2024 for the tracing of the remaining suspects.
Mamothame said the court granted Sebego a R10 000 bail, Mbulawa R20 000, while Mabe received a R100 000. He said the trio were warned not to have any direct or indirect contact with the state’s witnesses and complainants.
“They were further instructed to alert the investigating officer of any travel that they will undertake and the period thereof,” said Mamothame.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho welcome the arrest and court appearance of the suspects.
They affirmed the commitment of their respective entities in facing corruption head-on, to safeguard the funds that are meant for community development.
TaungDailyNews 