Hawks track down another suspect in Winnie Mandela museum project scandal

Free State Hawks have confirmed an arrest of a 41-year-old suspect, allegedly involved in the scandalous Winnie Madikizela-Mandela housing project where other senior officials in government have faced the might of the law.

According to Free State Hawks spokesperson captain Christopher Singo, the alleged suspect was busted last week on Friday, October 14, in Gauteng province’s OR Tambo International Airport following a sting operation by the Hawks and border police.

“This comes after a warrant of arrest was issued against him by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Welkom,” said Singo.

It is alleged that during the period of January 2008 until December 2010, money was allocated to the museum project popularly known as the Winnie Mandela Museum by the Free State department of sports, arts and culture.

The money that was allocated was allegedly misused and the service providers were appointed without following the proper procurement processes.

The project was coordinated by the sports and arts department together with the Lejweleputswa District Municipality.

Free State education, head of department, advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane and the municipal manager of Nketoane local municipality, Monyane Sefantsi, former municipal manager of Lejweleputswa district municipality Nontsikelelo Aaron former director of supply chain management in the Free State department of sports, arts and culture, Aubrey Sebeela and two businessmen Errens Lodewikus Celliers and Sithiwe Thubane were amongst a list of high profile suspects arrested in relation to the Winnie Mandela Museum fraud case.

As a result of these fraudulent activities, the department suffered a total loss of more than R700 000.

The alleged suspect appeared before the Welkom Magistrates’ Court yesterday, October 17, where he faced charges of fraud and theft.

Meanwhile his co-accused; Tsoareli Malakoane (56), Nontsikelelo Eunice Aaron (55), Lebogang Aubrey Sebeela (47), Monyane Matthews Sefantse (53), Errens Lodewikus Celliers (80) and Sithiwe Thubane (47) were arrested by the Hawks on Tuesday, September 20. Their case was remanded to Friday, November 11, following their court appearance last month.