Northern Cape Hawks Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team executed J50 warrant of arrests in Kimberley and Cape Town respectively.
It is alleged that during August 2005, the former HOD of Department of Roads, Transport and Public Works, Mr Motlalepule Elia Selemela awarded a contract for construction of new mental hospital to Vista Park/Joh Arch Investment and the project was set to commerce in September 2005.
Further, the former acting HOD of the same department, Ms Ruth Palm allegedly approved contract amounting to R36 million without following proper procurement procedures.
Original budget for the project was R 297 million, however due to delays owing to poor workmanship, demolition of certain structures for remedial purposes and the change of contractors, the budget ballooned to well over a billion Rand on the completion of the project.
The former directors of Babereki consulting were charged for fraud, money laundering and corruption as they received R51 million from the Department whilst fully aware that they had no contract with the department.
All accused were released on bail of between R2000 and R10 000 and they are expected back in court on Monday, 2 June 2025 where they will join their co-accused in the main case.