Former deputy director for the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Facility in Limpopo has been convicted on charges of fraud and corruption.
According to Hawks Spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke, the Makhado Regional Court on Tuesday found Clement Raphalalani, 56, guilty on two counts of corruption and 25 counts of fraud.
He was accused of of giving out tenders worth millions illegally.
The Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Facility lost more than R18m through this scheme.
Maluleke explained the illegal activities Raphalalani was involved in at the Louis Trichardt prison .
“During 2017, Raphalalani, who was a procurement officer at the facility, awarded a R2.7m tender to Penson Manufacturing company belonging to Editha Pengson without following due processes,” said Maluleke.
The accused connived with Pengson to increase the items purchased by the facility in return for a R369,380 payment.
The payment was transferred into Raphalalani’s company- Clemson Carriers.
He also awarded another tender worth almost R1.1m to Vhalenda Zwashu Trading Enterprise, a company owned by his girlfriend, Delicia Sadiki.
He pocketed over R132,500 from that tender.
“Furthermore, Raphalalani together with Thabo Makamane, who was also a deputy director at the facility, awarded a tender worth R3,588,707 to Durafoam Distributors CC without following due processes,” said Maluleke.
They pair allegedly pocketed R569,500 from the company.
Raphalalani, Makamane, Pengson and Sadiki were arrested by the Hawks’ serious corruption investigation unit in December 2018.
Raphalalani was found guilty on two counts of corruption and 25 counts of fraud.
His company, Clemsons Carriers was found guilty on one count of corruption and 10 counts of fraud.
Pengson Manufacturing and Distribution was found guilty on two counts of corruption and 25 counts of fraud.
“The accused will be sentenced on September 15 2020,” said Maluleke.
Makamane who pleaded not guilty will appear in court on October 22.
Sadiki will appear in court on September 15.
