News24 reports that twelve out of 15 people accused of defrauding the police of more than R1.9 million through personal protective equipment (PPE) tenders have pending cases against them, the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court heard on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Tilas Chabalala indicated: "When the offences were committed, the 12 accused were all out on bail on other matters, which are Schedule 5 offences. The State is opposing their bail.” The State indicated that it did not intend to oppose the bail applications of the other three accused. The 15 accused face charges of fraud, corruption, forgery, uttering and theft, assisting another person in benefiting from the proceeds of crime and acquiring or possessing or using the proceeds of unlawful activities. A task team appointed by the national police commissioner and the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate arrested them. Their arrests emanated from the wide-ranging investigation into SAPS procurement and supply chain management. The investigation uncovered that numerous contracts were allegedly awarded for the benefit of third party front companies, which, in turn, facilitated kickbacks to senior SAPS officials. The hearing is continuing.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntwaagae Seleka at News24

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page