Hawks nab former Northern Cape finance MEC John Block

The Hawks have arrested the imprisoned former African National Congress (ANC) Northern Cape chair, John Block.

The former Northern Cape Finance MEC was arrested on Tuesday morning at the Upington Correctional Services facility where he is currently serving his 15-year jail term.

Block was jailed in 2018 for corruption-related lease agreements with various government departments spearheaded by Trifecta group.

He is expected to appear in the Upington Magistrate’s Court to face charges related to alleged corruption that happened during the construction of the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital.

Hawks provincial spokesperson Nomthandazo Mnisi says, “The former MEC is facing a charge of fraud. It is alleged that in 2003, a company was fraudulently awarded a tender of structure, civil engineering and as a project manager within the new mental health hospital in Kimberley. Therefore, the former MEC and HoD of Roads and Public Works appointed this company when they knew the company did not meet the necessary requirements.”

Hawks arrest former Northern Cape ANC leader John Block

Block and two other accused who were arrested last week, face charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The former Head of the Department of Roads and Public Works, Patience Mokhali and the Director of Babereki Consulting Engineers Tshegolekae Motaung were released on bail and will be back in court in July.

The Hawks have pressed fresh charges against former Northern Cape Finance MEC who is serving time at the Upington Correctional Centre.