Municipal worker granted R2 500 bail in R2.2m fraud case

Johannesburg – An official at Sol Plaatje Municipality who was allegedly involved in fraudulent acts valued at R2.2 million has been granted bail by the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court, police said in a statement on Friday.Police spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase, said Theodor Robert Williams, 48, was granted a bail of R2 500 when he appeared on Thursday.Williams, who is employed as a Technical Assistant working under the Control Building Structure Department, was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Wednesday.“Williams was arrested by the Hawks on Wednesday for fraudulent activities that involved about ten (10) victims who allegedly approached the Sol Plaatje Municipality and made payments for both approval and drawing of new house plans or redraw plans for existing buildings.”Nkwalase said different amounts were allegedly paid to the person believed to be responsible for the processes, but no services rendered in terms of drawing and approval of the house plans.“Further investigation revealed that the suspect had a previous three-years theft conviction prior to his appointment at the municipality. This incident was allegedly not disclosed during his appointment in January 2008.”The estimated value of the fraudulent acts, combined with the salary gained during the period of his employment, exceeded R2.2 million, Nkwalase said.The matter was postponed to February 24.

African News Agency