Sandile Majali was arrested by the SA Police Service commercial crimes unit today for alleged fraud.
This followed an investigation after the directorship of mining company Kalahari Resources was changed from Brian Amos Mashile and his sister Daphne Mashile-Nkosi to a group of eight individuals including Majali, the unit said in a statement.
Majali and seven others allegedly removed Kalahari Resources’ directors from the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (Cipro) database in August.
An urgent interdict was brought before the Johannesburg High Court last month. The court ruled that Cipro reinstate the siblings as directors of the mining company.
Reacting to the news of the arrest, Mashile-Nkosi told news agency Sapa that she was relieved. “I feel exonerated and energised that the criminal justice system in my country is working – it may be slow but the wheels of justice are beginning to move. Now it’s for the court to decide.”
Kalahari Resources owns a 40% stake in Kalagadi Manganese, the mining company developing an R11?billion manganese mine and sinter plant in Northern Cape, as well as a smelter at Coega in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.
The Industrial Development Corporation owns 10% of Kalagadi Manganese, while steel producer ArcelorMittal owns the remaining 50% stake.
Majali came into the public eye following his role in the so-called Oilgate saga that saw him “donate” R11?million of PetroSA’s funds to the ANC ahead of the 2004 elections.
According to a police spokesperson, who did not wish to be named, four members of the group of eight – including Majali – have been arrested and the police were “hot on the heels” of the other four.
“The arrests have been a collaboration between the police, the Hawks and a private investigator appointed by Kalahari Resources.”
The police spokesperson said the four would appear in court tomorrow but could not supply further details.
