KEY POINTS
- Ex-state attorney accused of authorizing R32 million ($1.7 million) in fraudulent payments.
- Court rejects plea to include third parties in fraud case.
- Disbarred advocate Kajee arrested and granted bail in separate case.
The former head of the Office of the State Attorney in Johannesburg, Kgosisephuthabatho Gustav Lekabe, is now shifting blame to subordinates after being accused of authorizing R32 million ($1.7 million) in fraudulent payments.
Lekabe allegedly facilitated payments to disbarred advocate Hassim Ebrahim Kajee, who is accused of charging for services not rendered, submitting duplicate invoices, and overbilling for legal work.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has filed multiple claims against both men, demanding R27 million ($1.4 million) from Kajee and R32 million ($1.7 million) from Lekabe for payments deemed illegally processed.
Lekabe, in his defense before the Special Tribunal, argued that he was responsible for only 40 percent of the payments made to Kajee.
He insists that other attorneys, state officials, and government departments involved in the transactions should also be held accountable.
Lekabe’s plea to include third parties dismissed
Lekabe approached the Special Tribunal to challenge the SIU’s failure to include other key players in the case.
He claimed that some state departments and legal professionals also approved payments to Kajee, according to IOL.
However, Judge Margaret Victor dismissed Lekabe’s application. She ruled that he cannot shift liability by attempting to bring in third parties through procedural amendments.
“Joining parties to proceedings through an amendment to a pleading is an impermissible procedure,” Judge Victor stated.
Despite Lekabe’s objections, the tribunal upheld the SIU’s case. They maintained that the former state attorney was directly involved in processing fraudulent payments.
Fraud case deepens as Kajee faces separate charges
The Hawks arrested Kajee, who was struck off the roll of advocates in 2023. They charged him with multiple fraud-related offenses.
Kajee used his connections within the state legal system to funnel large sums of money for legal services he never provided, investigators say.
However, the Johannesburg Regional Court granted him R20,000 ($1,081) bail.
Authorities warned that further charges may be filed as investigations continue.
The SIU and law enforcement agencies have made a firm commitment to retrieve all stolen public funds within fraudulent schemes.
Both Lekabe and Kajee are facing serious legal consequences.
