South African Press Association (SAPA)
August 6, 2003

MASERU: Lesotho’s highest court is hearing an appeal by a Canadian engineering company against its conviction and R22-million fine for corruption related to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Acres International was found to have paid bribes, totalling more than R2.5-million, to the water project’s former chief executive Masupha Sole to ensure that it won contracts in the construction of the Katse Dam.

The appeal is expected to last the rest of the week.

Sole was sentenced to 18 years jail for receiving more than $1-million (about R7.5-million) from international contractors and consultants from the United States, Britain, Canada, France and Germany.