Issued by: North West Communication Service
5 February 1997
Mafikeng Wednesday - Former Bophuthatswana president, Lucas Mangope was today granted bail of R50 000 following a brief appearance at the Mmabatho Magistrate's Court.
Mangope, (73), is facing 208 counts of theft, attempted theft and fraud.
He was not asked to plead and his case was postponed for trial at the Supreme Court on March 10.
Mangope's appearance followed an investigation by the Skweyiya Commission of Inquiry which was appointed by the North West Government last year to probe allegations of corruption in the former homeland.
Mangope was barred from communicating with state witnesses and was forbidden to travel abroad without informing the investigating officer at least seven days before leaving the country.
He was also forbidden from operating or dealing with investments, insurance policies and bank accounts in the name of the Motswedi Tribal Authority, the organisation to which he is accused of illegally transferring Bophuthatswana government funds.