Minister Fritz expresses concern over bail for Al Noor’s Okpara

Minister Fritz expresses concern over bail for Al Noor’s Okpara

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, has expressed concern over the granting of bail to Amina Okpara of the infamous Al Noor Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) by the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. A Court Watching Brief has been instituted by the Department of Community Safety to ensure that due process is followed in subsequent hearings.

Okpara was freed on R5000 bail despite state prosecutors insisting that she was a flight risk as her husband allegedly flew to Nigeria after the CYCC was shut down. She was arrested by the Hawks on 15 June for having allegedly stolen donations and funding provided to the Woodstock-based orphanage. She faces three counts of contravention of the Immigration Act and a charge of fraud.

Additionally, Al Noor’s facility manager, Nkululeko Mboniswa, will appear in court in September on two charges of assault (GBH), sexual assault and the grooming of a child. He was previously released on bail for R400.

Minister Fritz said, “Al Noor’s corrupt activities became apparent to me in early July as a fake document was circulated in my name whilst I served as the Minister of Social Development. This document constituted fraud and impersonation. I did not ‘give direction’ as stated in the document, to support a holiday programme facilitated by Al-Noor Orphanage.”

“It is my understanding that she will appear in court again in November. The Department of Community Safety will continue to monitor this matter through its Court Watching Brief to ensure that due process is followed”, said Minister Fritz.

Minister Fritz further added, “I commend the Department of Social Development for having deregistered Al Noor and ensuring that it can no longer legally operate as a CYCC. The appeal authority is Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, who will consider all the facts in the matter and make a decision.”

Under the leadership of Minister Albert Fritz, the Department of Community Safety will continue to use all the tools at its disposal to safeguard the residents of this province.

Attention broadcasters, please find English audio clip attached.