SowetanLive reports that Mpumalanga co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) head Samkelo Ngubane has been released on R10,000 bail by the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court in connection with a R6-million personal protective equipment (PPE) tender.

Ngubane’s appearance came after he handed himself over to the Hawks on Monday. The case was postponed to 28 July for further investigation. Ngubane joins Raymond Manzini, a deputy director of disaster management under Cogta, his younger brother Chris Manzini, and Moses Ndlovu, who owns Zalabantu Estate Trust. The other accused were previously released on R15,000 bail each. The Manzini brothers and Ndlovu are charged with fraud, corruption and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga Cpt Deneo Sekgotodi reported: “Their arrest followed an investigation related to the tender which was advertised by the department of Cogta for the supply of personal protective equipment whereby during the process of the tender and the appointment, the company of deputy director Raymond Manzini's friend, Moses Ndlovu, was appointed unlawfully with the influence of the deputy director. After the appointment was made, Ndlovu did not have resources to supply the PPEs, and was financially assisted by Manzini. After the delivery of the items, he invoiced the department and then repaid Manzini by depositing R6m into the deputy director’s younger brother Chris Manizini’s account.”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mandla Khoza at SowetanLive

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