Cape Town – The State has indicated its intention to oppose bail against accused fraudster and director of Al Noor Orphanage Amani Okpara as she was deemed a flight risk. The 49-year-old remained in custody at the Pollsmoor Hospital section until her bail application next month.
Hawks spokesperson Philane Nkwalase said Okpara was arrested for fraud and corruption regarding donor funds that were redirected to a personal account and used for personal gain. These funds were meant for the operation of the centre. Johnston argued that Okpara, who suffered a stroke previously and is also a chronic patient, was a registered South African citizen.
State prosecutor Adiel Jansen hit back saying Okpara’s “entire citizenship was based on fraud” and alluded to the “corrupt nature of the accused and an official”.