Former City Press editor Vusi Mona used his extensive political connections to broker a crooked R30-million tender and a string of R1-million bribes in Mpumalanga, the Nelspruit Regional Court has heard.

Those on the "payroll" allegedly included Mpumalanga's most powerful public servant, director-general Stanley Soko, and the chief executive of the Mpumalanga Economic Empowerment Corporation, Ernest Khosa.

Both have been charged with corruption, fraud, and contravention of both the Public Servant Management Act and the Organised Crime Act, and have been fired from their government jobs.

The subdued duo both pleaded guilty yesterday, before listening as the state's star witness, Rainbow Kwanda Communications director Kedibone Mashamaite, started testifying.

Mashamaite told the court that Mona used his prestige as City Press editor to introduce him to various provincial officials in 2002, who then groomed him to pitch for a lucrative two-year public relations contract worth R30-million.

"They arranged for us to present our proposal to the Mpumalanga cabinet and various senior officials. Once we had secured the contract, I was summoned to a secret meeting at Khosa's house," said Mashamaite.

"Once there, Khosa and Soko each demanded a R1-million bribe for having approved the tender.

"I was shocked, because if I paid the money I would not have enough left to do the job."

Mashamaite was unable to complete his testimony, and was due to continue to answer questions from the prosecution today.

Soko and Khosa are out on bail of R20 000 and R50 000 respectively. - African Eye News Service

With acknowledgements to Walter Ka Nkosi and The Star.