NPA instructs Hawks to conduct further investigation into withdrawn case against Limpopo senior official

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo has referred back to the Hawks the withdrawn case of fraud against a senior official in the Limpopo premier’s office.

The official, Mbobole Michael Maseko, was facing charges that he misrepresented his qualification and other related matters when he was appointed as senior manager for human resources.

He was arrested in April this year and was out on bail of R25 000.

NPA provincial spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, said the matter was still regarded as “pending”.

“It is still a pending matter. The case was referred back to the investigation officer with queries for further investigation. A decision will be taken after investigations are completed,” she said.

 She also dismissed an assertion by the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) that the designated state prosecutor had “deliberately” collapsed the case.

“The allegations against the prosecutor are unfounded and have no substance,” Malabi-Dzhangi said.

Nehawu, which was responsible for laying the criminal charge, wrote to NPA provincial head, Adv Ivy Thenga, saying an A1 statement deposed by key witness, Norman Mavhunga, was missing in the docket.

The A1 statement is relatively regarded as the basis of any case.

The union asserted that the statement went missing despite the fact that the investigating officer had confirmed that it was part of the docket handed over to the NPA.

The union further pointed out that the statements deposed by officials of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), Sekhukhune TVET College and the SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) were ignored by the prosecutor.

It believed the statements confirmed that Maseko made misrepresentations of a material nature by claiming non-existent qualifications and previously held positions.

Maseko, who remained on duty throughout the legal process, has vehemently denied the allegations against him. He was appointed as senior manager for human resources in 2012.

READ: Nehawu challenges NPA over “missing” and “ignored” statements as charges against Limpopo senior official withdrawn