Businesswoman Wanda McCarthy has appeared in court in Vredenburg, on the Cape West Coast, where she is accused of defrauding the government of R26 million through a security tender.
Also read: Family accused of defrauding the state out of R6m land grant
When McCarthy submitted a bid for a multi-million rand security tender offered by the Saldanha Bay Local Municipality, it is alleged that she misrepresented information.
Speaking to SABCNews, Eric Ntabazalila, spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authorities (NPA), a whistleblower called the Presidential Hotline to report irregularities in the tender awarding process, which resulted in the case being referred to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for a thorough investigation.
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Two vehicles that the accused claimed were a part of her registered fleet were actually owned by two private people who were unrelated to her business, according to the SIU’s investigations. The municipality and potential bidders reportedly experienced actual losses and prejudices totalling more than R13 million.
McCarthy was granted bail of R20 000 and is expected to appear in court again next month to face the charges against her.
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Two Cape Town real estate fraudsters arrested on the same day
Picture: Wesley Tingey / Unsplash