By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
The fraud and corruption trial against former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede and her co-accused on Monday was postponed to 30 November 2021.
Gumede and her 21 co-accused briefly appeared in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg for their pre-trial proceedings.
They face 2,793 charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering charges linked to the Durban Solid Waste contract amounting to more than R430 million.
The former mayor and others are accused of colluding with corporate entities and others to circumvent the outcome of the supply chain management protocols of the municipality.
Her co-accused include suspended eThekwini city manager Sipho Nzuza, former supply chain manager Sandile Ngcobo, and ANC councillor Mondli Mthembu.
The court heard on Monday the trial could possibly start on 18 July 2022.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson Sipho Ngwema, the case was adjourned for November to deal with further particulars and pre-trial matters.
“Some of the accused changed legal teams which resulted in the court unable to deal with pre-trial management issues,” Ngwema said in a short statement.
The postponement left Gumede’s supporters, who were outside the court, fuming. Their spokesperson, Ntando Khuzwayo, said he was not surprised that the matter has been pushed back once more. He said the case was politically motivated.
“This case is about ensuring that she doesn’t take part in the elective conference of ANC eThekwini… we know that. The conduct of the State just proves that,” Khuzwayo said.
The region is expected to elect new leadership ahead of the local government elections in October.