Accused in FS asbestos tender corruption case submits sick note to court

BLOEMFONTEIN - The widow of one of the businessmen who scored big from the dodgy multi-million rand asbestos tender has submitted a sick note to the Free State High Court from a clinic that specialises in energy boosters and weight loss.

Michelle Mpambani failed to appear in court this week, with her lawyers saying she was admitted to hospital.

She is the wife of Ignatius Mpamani, who died mysteriously in a hit after securing the R255 million tender with businessman Edwin Sodi.

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Michelle Mpambani is the representative of 605 Consulting Solutions, a company owned by her husband, who was gunned down on Bowling Avenue in Sandton in 2017.

Her company faces charges of fraud and corruption for the R255 million asbestos tender, with the State alleging that millions were transferred into its accounts.

But Mpambani was not in court and a warrant for her arrest was issued on Tuesday but stayed for a day.

On Wednesday, her lawyer presented a sick note that did not specify her condition.

The State's advocate Naseer Cassim made revelations about the clinic where Mbambani was apparently admitted to.

"When I looked at this, they specialise in vitamins that boost energy – basically they deal with treatment of obesity and she knew there are 18 accused here but she was not here."

Cassim has asked the court to deal with Mpambani strictly.