logo
Ex-Denel chairperson, former CEO to study docket of corruption

Ex-Denel chairperson, former CEO to study docket of corruption

The Citizen19-05-2025

They are accused of playing a role in the irregular approval and establishment of a Denel Asia joint venture between 2014 and 2018.
Two former Denel senior officials have been given time to study the docket before their next appearance in court for corruption
Former Denel Board of Directors Chairperson, Lungisani Daniel Mantsha and his co-accused Zwelakhe Nhlanganiso Ntshepe, a former Group Chief Executive Officer, appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court last week.
Docket
Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Henry Mamothame said the matter was postponed to 30 July 2025.
'The case was postponed for them to familiarise themselves with the contents of the docket and compare it to the docket disclosures provided by the state in a USB, to that of the original docket, prior to the start of the trial.
'Their R30 000 bail was extended and they are expected back in court when the matter resumes,' Mamothame said.
ALSO READ: Former top Denel officials granted bail in corruption case
Charges
Mantsha and Ntshepe are accused of being involved in the irregular approval and establishment of the Denel Asia Joint Venture between VR Laser South Africa (VRLSA) and the private Hong Kong company Denel Asia.
Mamothame said the duo allegedly disregarded a directive by the finance minister stipulating that all transactions relating to Denel should be subject to the approval of the finance and public enterprises ministers.
'This was following the finance minister issuing a guarantee to Denel in the amount of R1.8 billion. They are also accused of receiving gratification for their alleged involvement in facilitating the deal.
'It was further discovered that confidential information relating to the affairs of the Board of Directors was disclosed between July 2014 and May 2016,' Mamothame said.
Denel
Mamothame said there were further discoveries of disregard for the Public Finance Management Act stipulations by allegedly awarding bursaries without the required authority to do so.
Denel, a South African state-owned aerospace and military technology conglomerate, is said to be a 51% shareholder in Denel Asia, while VRLSA holds 49%.
ALSO READ: AFU seizes properties, bank accounts worth millions from ex-DRC defence attaché

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Police nab foreign national found with drugs worth R100 000
Police nab foreign national found with drugs worth R100 000

The South African

time4 hours ago

  • The South African

Police nab foreign national found with drugs worth R100 000

The Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad has made a breakthrough after arresting a foreign national found with drugs in Mokopane town. The 47-year-old suspect was found with crystal methamphetamine valued at approximately R100 000. The Flying Squad received a tip-off about suspicious drug-dealing activities going on in the area. Upon arrival, the police found the suspect in possession of crystal methamphetamine and arrested him. Additionally, the suspect was found with no valid South African Identity Documentation (ID). The suspect is expected to appear in court before the Mokopane Magistrate's Court on Monday, 9 June 2025, over charges of possession and dealing in drugs and Contravention of the Immigration Act. Three suspects have been arrested after being found in possession of drugs on Friday, 6 June 2025. The suspects were apprehended in different locations. The first suspect, a 21-year-old male, was arrested at his residence in Mosesetjane Village, after police found 155 sachets of Nyaope, 57 sachets of Cat, 31 sachets of Crystal Meth and an undisclosed amount of cash in his bedroom. A 26-year-old male suspect was also arrested at his residence in Danisani Sandsloot Village. He was found with 46 sachets of Crystal Meth and 13 sachets of Nyaope. In Masodi Village, police apprehended a 39-year-old female suspect who was found 5 sachets of Nyaope, 2 sachets of Crystal Meth and an undisclosed amount of cash. All three suspects were detained at Mahwelereng SAPS and are facing charges related to the Contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act and Possession of Prohibited Drugs. They are expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate's Court on 9 June 2025. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Red Meat Industry Services activates Operational Centre in response to Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak
Red Meat Industry Services activates Operational Centre in response to Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak

IOL News

time7 hours ago

  • IOL News

Red Meat Industry Services activates Operational Centre in response to Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak

Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) said on Friday that it will activate a centralised Operational Centre (OC) at its headquarters on Monday, 9 June 2025, in response to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) said on Friday that it will activate a centralised Operational Centre (OC) at its headquarters on Monday in response to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. RMIS said the OC will be led by a designated RMIS veterinarian and will oversee a team of veterinary professionals and industry representatives, along with a specialist public relations and public affairs agency, forming the FMD Working Group. 'The FMD Working Group will be mandated to develop and implement a structured, time-bound response to the outbreak, with medium- to long-term goals, including a focus on vaccination among other key areas.' The primary objective of this plan is to guide RMIS in addressing the current FMD situation in South Africa, with a strong focus on protecting red meat role players to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the industry. 'This is critical not only for the red meat sector, but also for South Africa's broader agricultural economy, as the outbreak impacts the entire red meat value chain and poses a serious threat to the dairy industry and other sectors connected to red meat production,' it said. Another key aim is to establish public-private partnerships (PPPs) at various levels to support the understaffed public veterinary sector by leveraging private sector expertise and capacity. RMIS added that the immediate responsibilities of the OC are finalising a three-month response framework to address urgent risks and establish a platform for long-term management: The medium-term plan will include two key components: Expanding and supporting the capacity of veterinary services to enhance disease control. Establishing FMD-free livestock compartments supplying all South African red meat abattoirs. RMIS said that the OC's other responsibilities would include: Coordinating with the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to align with government and industry stakeholders. Evaluating and enhancing the Government Contingency Plan. The Department has shared its contingency plan with the industry, which the FMD Working Group will review and provide feedback. Initiating a local vaccine production strategy, which includes assessing funding requirements, establishing an implementation timeline, and developing a financing model supported by industry funding. Centralising stakeholder communication through the appointed veterinarian, who will report directly to RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier. Implementing an electronic movement permit system: A basic, structured electronic Farmer Declaration system will be developed, communicated, and enforced. Dewald Olivier, the CEO of RMIS, said this is a defining moment for the red meat industry. 'RMIS was established precisely for a time like this - to provide coordinated leadership, technical expertise, and practical solutions in close collaboration with government and industry partners. Our unified efforts today will shape a more secure, sustainable, and competitive future for the industry,' Olivier said. Last week, Business Report reported that the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) livestock farming community called on the government to declare KZN a disaster area due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). In a joint statement, they called on the government to formally declare FMD a disaster as KZN grapples to contain the spread. 'In 2021, affected areas in the province were declared a Disease Management Area (DMA); the latest resurgence in 2023 has spread beyond this area and necessitated the expansion of the DMA; however, the spread continues outside of these areas.' In response, Dipepeneneng Serage, Deputy Director-General: Agricultural Production, Biosecurity and Natural Resources Management at the Department of Agriculture, said while they understand the seriousness of the FMD situation in KZN and in Gauteng, they don't think declaring a state of emergency is the solution. 'We have declared/gazetted the DMA which is in itself a state of emergency for livestock and farmers. We need farmers to work with the government to adhere to biosecurity regulations. Additionally, to the DMA, we will be issuing directives regarding the movement of animals in SA. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:

Prosecutors remain hopeful in Joshlin Smith case despite life sentences for kidnappers
Prosecutors remain hopeful in Joshlin Smith case despite life sentences for kidnappers

IOL News

time8 hours ago

  • IOL News

Prosecutors remain hopeful in Joshlin Smith case despite life sentences for kidnappers

Just over a week ago, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno Van Rhyn were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Western Cape High Court for their roles in the abduction and trafficking of Joshlin, who was reported missing on February 19, 2024. State prosecutors in the high-profile kidnapping and trafficking case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith say they remain hopeful the child will still be found, despite the conviction and sentencing of the three individuals held responsible for her disappearance. Just over a week ago, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno Van Rhyn were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Western Cape High Court for their roles in the abduction and trafficking of Joshlin, who was reported missing on February 19, 2024. The little girl has not been seen since that day, and her disappearance continues to haunt both investigators and the wider South African public. Prosecutors Advocate Zelda Swanepoel and Advocate Aradhana Heeramun led the state's case in the matter. Speaking to the media following the sentencing, both prosecutors described the outcome as bittersweet, saying justice had been served in part, but that the fight was far from over. 'We are still hopeful that something will break and we can solve this case by finding Joshlin,' said Heeramun. 'Every single lead is followed up. At no stage did we say this is a cold case. It is still a very active and live investigation.' Despite the court's decision bringing a degree of legal closure to a year-long investigation, Swanepoel emphasised that the most important part of the case remains unresolved: finding Joshlin.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store