Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Estelle Ellis
Published on 2024-04-02 20:44:32
Several senior staff members at the University of Fort Hare, along with the university’s forensic investigators and Kiernan “AKA” Forbes’ bodyguard, made an appearance in the Dimbaza Magistrates’ Court on the 2nd of April following their recent arrests. This development, reported by Daily Maverick, saw Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, Police Minister Bheki Cele, and top police officials being briefed on the arrests by the police task team handling the case.
The new round of arrests targeted members of the vice-chancellor’s inner management circle and his office manager just before the Easter weekend. Notable individuals such as Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza, the university’s chancellor, and Sakhela Buhlungu himself were present at the court appearance, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The list of accused individuals is extensive and includes various university officials and external parties closely linked to the case. Isaac Plaatjies, the former head of investigations and vetting at the university, has faced multiple bail rejections on charges related to the murders of Bhulungu’s bodyguard and the university’s former fleet manager. The court deemed him a “master conman,” highlighting the complexity of his involvement in the alleged crimes.
Other accused individuals include Paul Tladi, Lucrecia Davids, Mbulelo Gingcana, Louis Nkateko Mawila, Nozuko Mabombo, Sarah Pearl Burger, Wayne Gosain van der Haar, Thamsanqa Sonjica, Terrence Joubert, Bradley Conradie, Craig Retief, Anwar Khan, and Nthabiseng Makhoba. Each of them plays a distinct role in the unfolding investigation.
The alleged scheme involving Plaatjies and his associates is said to have revolved around the misappropriation of funds within the university, with substantial amounts of money flowing through various channels. The court has described Plaatjies as the mastermind behind the corruption and racketeering activities, further underscoring the severity of the charges.
As the legal proceedings progress, evidence such as fake invoices, WhatsApp messages, and electronic fund transfers are expected to feature prominently in the state’s case. Bail applications for some of the accused are set to be heard in court, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
A timeline of events leading up to the recent arrests sheds light on the turbulent period at the University of Fort Hare, marked by protests, investigations, and unfortunate incidents such as murders and attempted hits. The involvement of various individuals from different backgrounds underscores the intricate web of connections within the alleged syndicates operating at the university.
In conclusion, the developments at the University of Fort Hare highlight the challenges faced by institutions in combating corruption and criminal activities. The breadth of individuals implicated in the case underscores the need for robust investigative measures and proactive measures to uphold integrity and accountability in academic institutions.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
