Trial of North West official accused of taking bribe for tender set to begin next month
The trial of a former director at the North West department of agriculture who was arrested for taking a bribe in exchange for a tender is set to begin in October. Jessica Rakoma‚ a former supply chain director ‚ is facing one count of fraud and one of corruption after she allegedly solicited a bribe of R150‚000 from a service provider.She was arrested in March 2011 next to Buffalo lodge in Mahikeng where a police operation was conducted.The service provider worked with the police to trap Rakoma.Her case was postponed after her legal representative withdrew because Rakoma could not afford the legal bills anymore.On Monday she applied for a legal aid representative.According to the court papers she allegedly told a well-known businessman in Mahikeng that she had motivated that he get a R6 million security tender.The Hawks together with the service provider trapped Rakoma on camera and arrested her while driving off with a briefcase with R150‚ 000 in it.Mmabatho regional court magistrate Abigail Juris pleaded with the state and the legal aid board representative to make sure that the trial is finalised as it has been dragging for too long.Rakoma’s R20‚000 bail was extended and the trial will begin on October 18. ..
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