ANC’s John Block gets 15 years for fraud and money laundering, but will appeal
Verdict sends a strong signal at a time when there are perceptions that the state is soft on corruption
ANC heavyweight John Block has to pay the state R2m while he is also to serve 15 years in jail, for fraud and money laundering. The verdict sends a strong signal at a time when there are perceptions that the state is soft on corruption. Block and his co-accused, Trifecta director Christo Scholtz, were sentenced to 15 years in prison each on Tuesday in the High Court in Kimberly. National Prosecuting Authority Northern Cape spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said the two were appealing the sentence, and the appeal would be heard on Wednesday. Their bail application was extended, he said. In October 2015, Block was convicted of fraud and money laundering relating to the leasing of buildings to the Northern Cape social development department, which rented buildings owned by the Trifecta Group. Shortly after his guilty verdict, Block, who was the ANC Northern Cape chairperson and finance MEC, resigned. Scholtz was also found guilty on two counts of corruption. The ANC in the Northern Cape is ...
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