Former ANC chairperson in the Northern Cape John Block (55) made a brief appearance at the Kimberley Magistrates' Court alongside his co-accused, the former Head of Department (HOD) Patience Mercia Mokhali (60) and Babereki Consulting Engineers CC and company director Tshegolekae Motaung (59) on Monday. 

The accused are facing several charges which include fraud, money laundering, corruption and contravention of the Engineering Professions Act. NPA Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that their case relates to the Kimberley new mental hospital. "It is alleged that in 2003 Babereki Consulting Engineers CC was fraudulently awarded a tender as a structural and civil engineer, as well as a project manager, within the mental health hospital construction project. The accused as the political head and the former HOD Patience Mokhali, appointed Babereki Consulting Engineers CC under the directorship of Motaung, even though the company did not meet the requirements," said Senokoatsane, adding that said that the actual amount involved is approximately R51 million. Block was the MEC for Transport, Safety and Security when the crime was allegedly committed.

During their appearance, Block who is accused number two in the matter, indicated to the court that he will be applying for Legal Aid representation. "Accused one, Patience Mercia Mokhali and accused two Tshegolekae Motaung, also informed the court that they will be represented by a new legal firm going forward. The matter was remanded to 08 February 2024, to afford John Block who is committed in custody at the Upington Correctional Centre to apply for Legal Aid," said Senokoatsane. Block was convicted of fraud, corruption and money laundering in 2015. He was sentenced to 15-years-in jail.