Former Northern Cape ANC leader John Block arrested in prison over R51m tender fraud

PHUTI MOSOMANE

FORMER Northern Cape Public Works MEC and ANC Chairperson, John Block, has been arrested at the Upington Correctional Centre by the Hawks.

The arrest was made on Tuesday morning in connection with a R51 million tender fraud case related to the construction of a hospital back in 2003.

Block, who previously served as the MEC of transport, roads, and public works, is currently serving a 15-year jail term for fraud, corruption, and money laundering.

His conviction dates back to 2015, but he only began his sentence in 2018 at the Upington prison after several unsuccessful appeals in higher courts, including the Constitutional Court.

The corruption case stems from a joint effort between the provincial Roads and Public Works and Health departments to build a mental health facility in Kimberley in 2003.

A 55-year-old former MEC of Transport, Roads and Public Works, will make a brief appearance before Upington