Former Northern Cape African National Congress (ANC) Chairperson John Block was back to court Monday at a High Court in Kimberley for the sentencing proceedings of his long-running fraud and corruption case.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has hinted in the past that it would pursue a 15-year jail time for Block. According to Eyewitness News, the former ANC head was found guilty last year for the leasing Trifecta Group-owned buildings to the Social Development Department of the province. Trifecta director Christo Scholtz is also guilty for his involvement in the controversy.
In 2005, Block took advantage of his political powers to provide lease tenders for Trifecta for outrageously high prices, and gained kickbacks.
The South African Broadcast Corporation News reported that Block's trial, which started in 2012, was filled with drama and riddled with postponements. When it finally continued, the defense questioned the objectivity of Judge Mathebe Phatsoane, who was handling the case. The judge was called to excuse herself from the trial for possible conflict of interest.
Later this year, Block will still face two trials, including the purchase of Intaka water purifying equipment for Kimberley Hospital and the R100 million-worth Sol Plaatje Municipality.
Kimberley residents are divided in their views on their former leader. Some say he was a good leader who committed mistakes, while some say he shouldn't have committed such corruptions if he truly is for the people.
"It seems proceedings will be postponed and a date is being touted for 2 May 2016," Said EWN reporter Rahima Essop in a report by Cape Talk. "The walls are closing in on the man that was once regarded as the most powerful man in the Northern Cape."
Meanwhile, former Department for Social Development head Yolanda Botha, who is one of the accused, died of skin cancer in December 2014. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Alvin Botes, who is one of the co-accused was acquitted.
