Durban — Former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede was in high spirits after the last session for the year of her fraud, corruption and money laundering case ended on Tuesday.
Gumede and 21 others are facing charges which include conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering, racketeering, contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act, and of the Municipal Systems Act, in relation to a R300 million DSW contract.
After the court session, Gumede’s supporters were waiting for her outside the court, while getting an update from her spokesperson Sphelele Jiyane. The supporters who are not allowed to be inside the courtroom as per orders of presiding officer Judge Sharmaine Balton arrive in the morning and sat outside the courtroom.
On Tuesday they celebrated, hugged and sang with Gumede after the case was postponed to January 22. In this session which started at the beginning of November there have been delays due to the accused being sick. The court issued a stayed warrant of arrest for accused No6, Mthokozisi Nojiyeza, a former councillor, after he was absent in court for a number of days and his medical certificate was questioned.
The following week Gumede had a breakdown, screamed and cried in court when Nojieza’s lawyer's advocate Sicelo Zungu asked for the matter to be postponed. Gumede cried and shocked everyone in court when she even wished death upon herself.
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Daily News