Mmapitsi Virginia Seate (51), a Deputy Director at the North West Department of Public Works and Roads, appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on 13 November 2024. Seate is facing 45 counts of fraud linked to fraudulent travel claims amounting to over R119,000.
Allegations of Fraudulent Activity
Seate’s arrest followed an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit, which was initiated after the Public Service Commission flagged irregularities. The allegations stem from claims Seate submitted between February 2023 and November 2023 during her tenure as Deputy Director at the North West Department of Human Settlements.
According to investigators, Seate claimed reimbursement for trips she allegedly undertook to various destinations in the North West and Gauteng provinces. However, evidence revealed that her private vehicle remained in Mahikeng during the dates she claimed to have travelled.
Court Appearance and Bail
Seate made a brief appearance in court, where she was granted bail of R5,000. Her case has been postponed to 2 December 2024 for further proceedings.
Officials Pledge Accountability
The arrest has been welcomed by Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, the acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West. Both have expressed their commitment to ensuring accountability among government officials.
“We are resolute in strengthening cooperation to stamp out corruption and ensure that rogue officials are held accountable,” said Brigadier Munzhedzi.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts to tackle fraud and corruption within public service, sending a strong message that unethical behaviour will not be tolerated.
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