No bail for ANC's Block in fraud case

2010-11-05 08:52

Pretoria - ANC Northern Cape chairperson John Block was refused bail on Thursday in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court, following his appearance with eight others on charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and charges under the Public Finance Management Act.

"John Block’s case was postponed to November 9 giving us seven days so we can look into other possible charges against him," said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga.

The question of bail was not entertained when the State was applying for a postponement, he said.

National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Menzi Simelane, was prosecuting the matter "as part of his hands-on approach and leading by example", said Mhaga.

The case relates to the purchase of water purifiers for the Kimberley Hospital that were found to be empty and in a state of disrepair.

Block and his co-accused were allegedly involved in collusion with government officials to circumvent procurement procedures which saw Cape Town-based company Intaka, owned by Gaston Savoi, being awarded tenders corruptly, said Mhaga.

Block holds a directorship in Intaka’s Northern Cape operations.

No assets were seized from the accused on Thursday.

- SAPA