Former North West Health HOD’s fraud case postponed

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The case against Dr Andrew Lekalakala, the former head of the Department of Health in the North West and his co-accused, Joseph Leshabane, has been postponed by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court for consultation.

Lekalakala is facing two charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and two of fraud, while Leshabane and his company, Raliform Investment, are facing six fraud charges.

They were arrested by members of the Hawks last October.

Their cases will be joined with that of Lydia Sebego, the former Head of the Health Department in the North West, Vuyo Mbulawa, Chief Director at the North West Department of Health, and Roulgh Mabe, a service provider.

According to NPA provincial spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the officials signed off on payments for Mabe and Leshabane for work that was never done.

“Dr. Andrew Lekalakala and Lydia Sebego are facing two charges of fraud for contravening the Public Finance Management Act and two of fraud relating to the construction of two hospitals in Ledig. Services level agreements were signed with two companies that were not compliant, and it was further discovered that these companies submitted fraudulent invoices for services that were not rendered, leading to the loss of approximately R135 million to the department. The two, and their co-accused, are out on bail and are expected back in court when the matter resumes in March.”

VIDEO: Former N West Health HoD Thabo Lekalakala in court for fraud