Defence argues for lower bail in Mpumalanga Education fraud case

Lawyers representing the final group of suspects in the Mpumalanga Department of Education's multi-million rand fraud case have argued for reduced bail amounts for their clients.

On Wednesday, the last of the 36 individuals arrested in connection with the case returned to the Mbombela Magistrate's Court for their bail applications.

While the prosecution previously argued for bail set at R50,000 or more for each individual, the defence has fiercely opposed the figure.

On Monday and Tuesday, more than 25 suspects were released on bail ranging from R5,000 to R50,000. However, the remaining applicants argued in court on Wednesday that they cannot afford the amounts granted to their co-accused. Instead, they are pleading with the court for bail to be set between R2,000 and R5,000.

State prosecutor Prenishna Jagganath dismissed the claims of financial hardship, pointing to the suspects' lifestyles and assets.

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“Your worship, none of our suspects before you today are poor persons; they are all in business. They forget today some of them have immovable properties.They own Range Rovers and other motor vehicles.”

Jagganath maintained that a higher bail is essential to ensure the accused do not evade trial, arguing that a low amount would offer little deterrent.

“They were service providers and registered entities that were supposed to have provided a service. When the State is asking for a high bail amount, the request is premised on securing each of their presence in court for the duration of the trial. Setting bail of R5,000, your worship, will not do that. If tomorrow they do not come to court, that will mean nothing in the bigger scheme of things.”

The matter continues in a packed courtroom, attended by many of the suspects' relatives.