Suspect in CMS fraud case pleads ill health

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Friday March 26, 2010 00:00

Aaron Babolele one of the accused requested for a three days sick leave from the court which was granted without opposition from the state. The case will be heard on April 20 when the state is expected to call key witnesses to testify.

The accused are Jabulani Johnson, David Tumagole, Patrick Cole (Sierra Leone national), Clement Molefe, Otsile Mosarwe, Jenamo Nfana, Bushy Nthibo, Abram Marumo, Aaron Babolele, Norman Maja, Lebogang Kaisara.

The eleven are accused of swindling CMS of P21 million after falsely claiming that they supplied the organisation with pharmaceutical products.

The court has already admitted statements by some witnesses, which has cut short the number of people who will testify during the trial.

The case has had major shake ups with some defence witnesses withdrawing from testifying while one of the lawyers, Unoda Mack has withdrawn from the case citing an unworkable relationship with his client Nthibo. The defence lawyers remaining are Dick Bayford and Langwane Langwane.

The state was represented by Phadi Solomon, Thabo Malambane and Priscilla Israel while Regional Magistrate (South) Lot Moroka presided over the case.