The ANC regional secretary in Bojanala Raymond Moraile, Madibeng councillor and their driver facing extortion charges were granted bail at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
The National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng said they were released on R10 000 bail each on Monday. The case against them was postponed to 9 February next year for further investigation.
Regional secretary Raymond Moraile, 40, Madibeng local municipality councillor Peter Legong, 39, and Menzi Mngadi, 42, were arrested on charges of extortion on December 11.
The three were arrested in Pretoria for allegedly demanding a R300.000 bribe from a businessman in exchange that the businessman would be awarded a tender at the Madibeng local municipality in Brits.
Legong serves as a member of the mayoral committee (MMC) responsible for public safety, fleet management in the Madibeng municipality.
Mngadi was the driver at the time of their arrest.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the three were arrested in an intelligence driven operation after they demanded a gratification amounting to R300,000-00 from a local businessman..
“It is alleged that the complainant was contacted by one of the suspects inquiring if the businessman was interested in being assisted to secure a tender. “Subsequently, the trio is reported to have arranged a meeting with the businessman wherein they discussed the amount to exchange hands. The law-abiding businessman then reported the matter to the Serious Corruption Investigation who in turn obtained the necessary documents to set up an operation,” Colonel Mogale said.
The ANC has placed Moraile and Legong on a step aside from the party and government responsibilities.
“In line with the ANC constitution, the Integrity commission processes, and resolutions of the movement, including the clear outcomes of the recently concluded 5th National General Council (NGC) which reaffirmed zero tolerance to corruption, both Cde Raymond Moraile and Cde Peter Legong are immediately placed on step aside from all organisational and government responsibilities pending the finalisation of their legal processes.” ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said.
Madibeng mayor Douglas Maimane has appointed Magdonia Masuku as acting member of the mayoral committee responsible for public safety and fleet management while Legong is subjected to the step aside policy of the ANC.
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