Geo Paul (61), a former acting Head of Department for North West Department of Finance made his first appearance before Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on 28 March 2023 facing two counts of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
It is reported that between July and August 2011, the Department of Finance fraudulently appointed Morake Attorneys to conduct disciplinary proceedings of three senior officials.
The accused, who was the accounting officer for the Department of Finance at the time allegedly contravened the PFMA by approving a request for deviation from the competitive bidding process and expanded the scope of services required.
He allegedly further disregarded a cheaper quotation and failed to take appropriate steps to prevent the unauthorised, irregular and wasteful expenditure to the tune of R15 459 380,18.
The matter was postponed to 12 June 2023 for the outcome of representation.
The Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Patrick Mbotho thanked the investigation team and the prosecutors involved for their excellent work.
