Home News Prominent Kimberley businessmen face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering

Prominent Kimberley businessmen face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering

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EIGHT prominent Kimberley businessmen have been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit and appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering, involving millions of rands.

A further two arrests are imminent and it is expected that they will appear in court today (Tuesday).

The eight people who appeared in court on Monday are Melissa Joys Barnes (36), BG Moncho (51), Graham Whitten (64), Eugene Magalty (46), Derrick Mcdillon (61), Carlo Whitten (40), Beryl Mcdillon (60), and Mervin Ruiters (72).

Moncho, Graham Whitten and Carlo Whitten were granted bail of R10 000 each, while Melissa Barnes was granted bail of R5 000, Derrick and Beryl Mcdillon were granted bail of R4 000 each, and Eugene Magalty and Mervin Ruiters were granted bail of R1 000 each.

The case was postponed to Tuesday when the additional two suspects are expected to appear.

Hawks spokesperson, Nomthandazo Mnisi, confirmed that the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit had arrested the eight suspects at their companies on Monday morning for fraud, corruption and money laundering.

“The ongoing investigation, which was initiated between 2013 and 2014, relates to the Kimberley Department of Health construction tenders. Allegations of irregularities surfaced in the awarding of the tenders and the Serious Corruption Investigation unit was tasked to investigate,” Mnisi stated.

“It was found procedures were not followed when contracts were awarded to the service providers. The contract was valued at R494 900 000 and the prejudice suffered is estimated at R74 741 000.”

“The Acting Provincial Head Brigadier Prince Mashimbye stated that corruption and looting of state funds will be dealt with, within the Northern Cape.”

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