BOLOBEDU - A senior official in the Department of Justice, Nakiel Matlou (47) of Ga-Sekgopo Village near Duivelskloof appeared in the Bolobedu Magistrate's Court last Thursday on several counts of fraud.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the Lowveld area, Capt Moatshe Ngoepe, the alleged fraudulent activities took place on different dates between January and March this year.

According to the statement, it is alleged that Matlou collected a large amount of money from six traditional authorities in Bolobedu and Sekgosese during the specified period. Instead of depositing the money into the government bank account, the suspect reportedly channelled the money into his own pocket.

The statement further indicates that the money involved amounts to about R214 400. The whole scandal was brought under the spotlight during the financial inspection audit that was conducted in the districts during the past weeks.

According to Ngoepe, Matlou was arrested two days before his court appearance. He was not asked to plead during his first court appearance and the matter was postponed to April 26 with a view to giving the police enough time to conduct further investigations. Matlou was released on R3 000 bail.