Former North West sports director Thabiso Mokoena was found guilty in the Mafikeng Regional Court on Tuesday on 85 counts of fraud totalling R1,3-million, SABC television news reported.
Sentencing was reserved and the matter was postponed to next Tuesday when the court will hear evidence in mitigation.
Of the original 107 counts, the state dropped 22, as there was not sufficient evidence linking Mokoena.
Passing judgement, the court referred to some counts, including the use of state funds to purchase two four-wheel drive vehicles, one for his wife and the other for his colleague, Pule Molale.
Mokoena contracted private transport for trips to the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape which did not benefit the department.
The court further learnt that Mokoena authorised the use of state funds to reward Molale, who is presently serving a seven year sentence, as well as two unknown persons, with a trip to Malaysia which cost the state R92 000.
Government cheques were also used to purchase sport outfits for a football club and personal clothing accounts with expensive dealers.
The marathon trial commenced in 1998 with a number of officials in the department having pleaded guilty.
Three officials including North West Safa coordinator, Jeff Monnakgotla, received suspended sentences after agreeing to reimburse the state. – Sapa