Some of the accused in the University of Fort Hare fraud and corruption case involving millions of rand have described the threats of a civil claim by the university as “entirely baseless and a misrepresentation of facts”.
The university was launching a civil claim against companies and individuals in the fraud and corruption case, vice-chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu said.
This relates to a sum of about R172m paid by UFH to the service providers with the bulk allegedly finding its way into the pockets of the accused university employees.
Buhlungu confirmed recently that the university was launching the civil claim.
He said the university had cut ties with all involved in the case.
“We pulled the plug on anyone and everyone who [is] in court.
“Where we are now, outside of the trial and so on, we are launching a civil claim to get monies where there were clearly exaggerations, misrepresentation, inflation of invoices and so on,” Buhlungu said.
According to the charge sheet, accused Bradley Conradie’s law firm, BCHC Attorneys, allegedly received more than R44.7m.
Horizon Forensics, owned by Conradie and with accused Sarah Burger as a director, allegedly received more than R33.6m.
In a statement, Horizon Forensics and BCHC attorneys said: “We vehemently reject the misleading claims published in the Daily Dispatch regarding Horizon Forensics and BCHC Attorneys.
“The university’s threat to claim R77m from these entities is entirely baseless and a misrepresentation of the facts.
“Horizon Forensics has a valid and enforceable contract with the university.
“In fact, since our unlawful arrest, by the now disbanded Political Killings Task Team, Horizon Forensics has enforced the contract on no fewer than three occasions — October 2024, December 2024 and March 2025 — after instituting legal proceedings against the university for outstanding fees.
“The university did not defend the claim and ultimately paid the full amount owing, further agreeing to cover legal costs and interest.
“As for BCHC Attorneys, multiple partners and attorneys (approximately 22) provided legal services to the university at the highest professional standards, consistently delivering excellent outcomes.
“Following our unlawful arrest, BCHC returned 350 lever-arch files to the university and was paid all fees owed.
“The above work was completed, between 2018 and 2024, with the full knowledge and at the instruction of the university’s executive office, including senior members of the legal office.
“Horizon Forensics continues to assist law enforcement agencies in matters concerning the university — at no cost to the university.
“We unequivocally deny these false allegations and will vigorously oppose any legal action brought against us or our entities.
“Furthermore, we reserve our right to hold the university’s executive members personally liable for their acts or omissions.
“We do, however, agree with one point made in the article: the evidence will speak for itself and justice will prevail.”
Conradie, Burger and their co-accused will be back in court on March 31.
Daily Dispatch
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