PHUTI MOSOMANE
FORMER Northern Cape Public Works MEC and ANC Chairperson, John Block, has been arrested at the Upington Correctional Centre by the Hawks.
The arrest was made on Tuesday morning in connection with a R51 million tender fraud case related to the construction of a hospital back in 2003.
Block, who previously served as the MEC of transport, roads, and public works, is currently serving a 15-year jail term for fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
His conviction dates back to 2015, but he only began his sentence in 2018 at the Upington prison after several unsuccessful appeals in higher courts, including the Constitutional Court.
The corruption case stems from a joint effort between the provincial Roads and Public Works and Health departments to build a mental health facility in Kimberley in 2003.
Block is scheduled to make a brief appearance at the Upington Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
It is alleged that in 2003, Babereki Consulting Engineers CC fraudulently obtained a tender for the role of structural civil engineer and project manager in the construction project of a mental health hospital.
During his time as a political head, the accused, along with the former HOD, Patience Mercia Mokhali, appointed Babereki Consulting Engineers CC, whose director is Tshegolekae Motaung, even though the company did not meet the necessary requirements. The estimated amount involved in the fraudulent activity is approximately R51 million.
SAPS Brigadier Prince Mashimbye, the Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Northern Cape, welcomes the arrest, stating, “Criminality will be pursued regardless of the duration in which it occurred, ensuring that justice prevails.”
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