Block's R30m estate seized
2010-11-12 22:14
Johannesburg - The Asset Forfeiture Unit on Friday seized the R30m estate of Northern Cape ANC leader John Block, the National Prosecuting Authority said.
It included five houses, 18 cars, and several business interests in four business entities, spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.
This after acting Judge Jacky Hendricks granted the unit a restraint order in the province's Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley.
Block, businessman Gaston Savoi and seven others are accused of tender fraud estimated at R112m.
They allegedly bought water purification equipment for Kimberley Hospital from Intaka Holdings, which is owned by Savoi, at inflated prices in 2005 and 2006.
Block and Savoi were released on R100 000 bail on Wednesday and the case was postponed to March 18 2011 for further investigation.
The unit also seized property belonging to five of Block's co-accused: Daniel Madyo, Daniel Gabarone, Hamed Shabir, Faima Shahzad and Sanjey Mitha. They face charges ranging from corruption and fraud to money laundering.
- SAPA