Mayor up on graft charges
2005-07-26 08:48
Bloemfontein - After a night behind bars, the mayor of Mangaung, his wife and four officials are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein magistrate's court on Tuesday on corruption and related charges involving at least R100m.
The Scorpions arrested mayor John Pappie Mokoena, his wife Granny and city manager Mojalefa Laplole, chief operating officer Mzwandile Silwana, Speaker Zongezile Zumane as well as Mokoena's political advisor Jacob Thithi on Monday.
The six were ordered to be held overnight after the state and their lawyers could not agree on an amount for bail.
The state wants bail set at R100 000 each. The court will hear argument on the issue on Tuesday.
Scorpions and NPA spokesperson Makhosini Nkosi said a seventh arrest in Johannesburg was imminent.
"Today's action follows a Scorpions investigation into allegations (of criminal misconduct) relating to the affairs of the Mangaung Local Municipality, councillors, employees and their associates," Nkosi said.
- SAPA