Officials in KZN premier's office arrested for fraud
Hawks have arrested five people - four from the office of the KwaZulu Natal Premier - on allegations of fraud and corruption.
The arrests are related to a R20 million catering tender dating back to 2013.
Hawks spokesperson Simphiwe Mhlongo says the officials are Premier Sihle Zikalala's personal assistant Nomusa Zwake, as well as chief financial officer Ziphathe Cibane, senior administration officer Sithembiso Msomi and administration clerk Njabulo Makhathini.
The fifth suspect is Gugu Kheswa, the director of a service provider Phumalanga Communications.
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Mhlongo says the officials allegedly manipulated procurement processes so that contracts are awarded to certain providers.
The suspects appeared in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday afternoon.
"The CFO was granted R10 000 bail, the PA was granted. Makhathini and Sithembiso Msomi were granted R5 000 bail and the director of Mpumalanga communication was granted R20 000 bail,” Mhlongo says.
"Their case was postponed to 2 October.”
Mhlongo says more arrests are expected.