Knorx Molele. Picture: Makekeke opened
Knorx Molelle, the former director of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) who allegedly stole R13.9 million from former Eskom executive and state capture suspect Anoj Singh, has said he will cooperate with investigators on the criminal charges brought against him.
Molelle, who left the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) under a cloud of financial mismanagement in March last year, was named in Singh’s affidavit accusing medical doctor Mahendren Munsamy of allegedly defrauding him of R13.9 million in an investment deal.
Singh’s affidavit was given in court during the state’s opposition to a new bail application by Munsamy, who faces separate charges of fraud and money laundering for allegedly defrauding Sasol and First National Bank (FNB) of R420 million in one case, as well as alleged theft. R7 million from businessman Ravesh Moodley in another.
In Johannesburg’s special commercial crime court on Tuesday, judge Emmanuel Magampa recommended a trial on Munsamy’s bail application for March 24. The alleged fraudster has been under arrest since his arrest in January last year.
In the affidavit, Singh said he paid R13.9 million in four tranches from August to October 2018 to Munsamy, who was “misrepresented” as a person with a business opportunity to import fuel from Mozambique to South Africa, and only paid duty to the South African Revenue Service (Sars) after 30 days and not immediately.
Singh also said that Munsamy, with the stolen money, gave R2 million to Molelle “to help him”.
“Munsamy did not explain what that means. What is beyond doubt is that Molelle benefited by R2 million from the money stolen from me,” said Singh.
This week, Molelle denied the allegations against him, saying he “never had any business dealings with Anoj Singh”.
“I never received or took any money from him [Singh] directly or indirectly. If they have evidence that I had a relationship with them or took money, they should take it to the police for investigation,” Molelle said. Mail & Guardians. “I would be very happy if the police investigate the allegations and will give my full cooperation.”
During testimony in cross-examination last week, Munsamy denied he had stolen money from Singh, FNB, Moodley and Sasol, adding that there was a conspiracy against him by the state and petroleum industries.
“You are being misled by Singh; there is subterfuge here. Don’t buy into confirmation bias [that I’m a criminal]. The allegations made here are not the same as me being tried,” Munsamy said. “As of now, [Singh’s] This matter is not registered, and I cooperate with you to reach the truth, which you do not have. Munsamy admitted that he and Molelle were friends, but he did not give the latter money. Munsamy returns to court on March 24 when he will know whether the bail application is granted or not.