Durban — The three accused who were previously the cause of another delay in the case against former eThekwini Municipality mayor Zandile Gumede and 21 others after their lawyer withdrew pitched to court with new legal representation on Thursday.
The 22 are charged with racketeering, fraud and corruption relating to a R320 million waste contract.
According to the State, the accused in this matter are an array of eThekwini municipal officials (current and past), ward councillors, business people and their companies.
The State alleges that eThekwini officials, including the city manager and ex-mayor, circumvented the supply chain management processes on a Durban Solid Waste tender, for the benefit of identified service providers for over R300 million.
They face charges of conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act, among others.
Previously advocate Carl Van De Merwe withdrew his services for Bongani Dlomo, Khoboso Dlomo and their company Omphile Thabang Projects as there were no funds to pay him.
At the time it emerged in court that Legal Aid had received a call with regards to the issue of legal representation for the two and that time was needed to process the application.
In court on Thursday, Mlamli Magigaba presented himself on the record as the private attorney of accused 15, 16 and 17.
On account that he was not ready to proceed as he had only accepted the case’s brief two days earlier he asked for the court’s indulgence as he would need time to go over all documents.
The matter was adjourned to August 22 for plea.
Outside the court front gate, there was no marquee pitched as seen on previous occasions when Gumede appeared and there were also fewer supporters.
Following proceedings, Gumede got into her car at the back entrance of the court and before she could leave a handful of supporters approached her vehicle to greet her.
Daily News