A businessman who was granted R30,000 bail will join 40 co-accused when the R114 million Mpumalanga Department of Education corruption and money-laundering case returns to court on 1 December 2026.
Zama Fakude, 46, was granted bail on Wednesday after the State indicated that it would not oppose his application. The court ordered him to surrender his travel documents to the investigating officer and refrain from interfering with State witnesses.
Police said Fakude handed himself over on 15 October 2026. He had remained in custody pending the continuation of his bail proceedings.
The latest bail development comes amid an investigation into alleged corruption and financial irregularities involving public funds earmarked for the renovation of 21 schools across Mpumalanga.
The Hawks are investigating an alleged R114 million loss linked to the controversial school renovation project.
Pastor Bongani Sibiya’s Wife Also Granted Bail
As previously reported by African Times News, Thandekile Sibiya, the wife of Pastor Bongani Sibiya, who allegedly received more than R1 million in suspected money-laundering transactions, was granted R10,000 bail on Thursday after appearing in connection with the investigation.
Sibiya is among those implicated in allegations surrounding contracts linked to the renovation of 21 schools in the province. The contracts allegedly involved four companies, with investigators probing the awarding of the work and the handling of funds associated with the project.
According to the state, Thandekile received more than R1 million through four service providers and accounts linked to her husband.
Moreover, Pastor Bongani Sibiya was allowed to travel overseas for religious purposes.
40 Accused Expected Back In Court
The broader investigation saw 40 suspects arrested in February 2026. The case centres on allegations involving the awarding and execution of contracts associated with the renovation of 21 schools, as investigators seek to establish how the funds were handled and whether public money was improperly used.
