The case involving the R453 million security contract that was awarded by the Northern Cape Department of Health to Defensor Electronic Security Systems will be transferred to the Northern Cape High Court.
THE CASE involving the R453 million security contract that was awarded by the Northern Cape Department of Health to Defensor Electronic Security Systems will be transferred to the Northern Cape High Court.
The former head of the provincial Department of Health, Steven Jonkers, and the directors of Defensor Electronic Security Systems, Gert Renier van Rooyen and Claudius Gerald Peterson, appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday.
Jonkers is the current deputy director-general of the Northern Cape provincial government.
National prosecuting authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that Jonkers was charged for contravening the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“The former HOD, as the accounting officer, is alleged to have concluded a contract with Defensor without following the correct procurement processes. The contract amounts to over R453 million,” said Senokoatsane.
“Defensor Electronic Security Systems and its directors are charged with fraud, as well as contravening the Private Security Industry Regulations Act (Psira).”
Senokoatsane added that the accused were all out on bail, with the two directors of the security company having been granted bail of R100,000 each and the former HOD being granted bail of R50,000.
“The bail conditions stipulate that they should all surrender their passports and not interfere or contact any State witnesses.”
Senokoatsane added that the case was postponed to May 9 to allow the court to arrange an appropriate date for the matter to be transferred to the Northern Cape High Court.
He further noted that the case involving missing diamonds valued at over R6.5 million that were destined for cutting and polishing training purposes at the Kimberley International Diamond and Jewellery Academy was also postponed, to May 10.
The accused, the former head of the Northern Cape Department of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Patrick Seboko, 66, the senior manager of the project team responsible for diamond strategy, Tebogo Gaborone, 46, the chief director for trade and sector development, Lizette Wyngaard, 56, and the chief financial officer, Kuberin Packirisamy, 60, made a brief appearance in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Kimberley on Monday.
Senokoatsane said the case was remanded until May 10 as the legal representative of one of the accused requested to be allowed to familiarise themselves with the contents of the charge sheet.
“The accused are facing various charges including contravention of the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), contravention of the Diamond Act (dealing in uncut diamonds without a permit) and fraud.
“The case was also postponed to afford all parties to arrange a trial date.”
Senokoatsane added that the accused were all out on bail of R10,000 each.
