By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The case against 15 people charged with fraud and corruption at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) has been postponed to next week.
The suspects returned to the Dimbaza Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Their legal counsel on Wednesday, argued that the Dimbaza magistrate, Nonthuthuzelo Sontlaba, does not have jurisdiction, as the warrants of arrest issued state the suspects should appear in East London.
They also argued that the suspects facing racketeering charges were wrongfully arrested, that being without the certificate of authority from the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
These applications came after the defense asked Sontlaba to recuse herself from the bail applications of the accused, who were arrested over the weekend in various provinces.
Sontlaba has since ruled in favour of the state and rejected the defence’s request to thrown the case out of court.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that the bail application will now proceed on April 11 and 12.
Tyali also confirmed that Sontlaba will recuse herself from the case, with a new magistrate expected to take over the matter going forward.
They face a string of charges including fraud, racketeering, and corruption emanating from the ongoing investigation at Fort Hare University.
The remaining accused are: Isaac Plaatjies, Anna Smith, Paul Tladi, Lucrecia Davids, Mbulelo Gingcana, Loius Mawila, Nozuko Mabombo, Gosain van der Haar, Thamsanqa Sonjica, Terrence Joubert, Bradley Conradie, Sarah Burger, Craig Retief, and Nthabiseng Makhoba.
To date, a total of 25 people have been arrested in connection with the corruption scandal.
The previous 10 are accused of two murders and attempted murders and comprise of former university employees, ex-policeman, taxi bosses and an attorney.
The trial of the 10 accused is set to kick off in the High Court in October.
All the individuals have been accused of defrauding the tertiary institution to the tune of R171 million.