Former North West MEC, and former Department of Health HOD acquitted of R8m fraud charges

 Former North West Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development MEC, Wendy Nelson and former health department HOD, Andrew Lekalakala, have been acquitted on R8 million fraud charges relating to the latter's appointment. 

The State alleged that Nelson had irregularly appointed Lekalakala to the position of superintendent-general in the province's health department.

Nelson was chairing the panel during Lekalakala's interview and allegedly recommended him for the post despite knowing that he had made misrepresentations on the Z83 job application form. 

The alleged fraud which was calculated at R8 million, was remuneration for his position as superintendent-general. 

The two appeared in the North West High Court on Tuesday, where they were found not guilty. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Henry Mamothame welcomed the judgment.  saying they would study it.

"We welcome the judgment, but we will study it to see if the judge did not err in it. We will study it to see if we can find areas of concern before we make a decision on whether we will apply for leave to appeal," Mamothame said. 

Done By: Yandisa Qwabe