By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The trial of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede and other accused was adjourned in the Durban High Court on Monday.
During a court appearance, the court was informed that there was an issue with legal representation for some of the accused due to challenges including a lack of funds.
The case has now been adjourned to July 27.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Durban, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says, the matter was adjourned for a further pre-trial conference on 27 July 2022, so that a number of issues can be dealt with.
“While the State was ready to proceed with the trial, attorneys for some of the accused persons advised the court that they were not placed in funds by their clients to secure their services for the duration of the trial.
“For this reason, the pre-trial conference will be held in chambers with the accused not needing to be in court,” Ramkisson-Kara said.
The accused are facing charges of conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act, among others.
They collectively face over 2 700 counts of fraud, corruption and racketeering related charges.
It’s alleged that supply chain management processes on a DSW tender were bypassed, for the benefit of identified service providers for over R300 million.
According to the state’s hefty indictment, Gumede received R2,881,350 in kickbacks between January 2017 and July 2019 for ensuring predetermined businesses benefited from the city’s waste contracts.
An amount of R45-million had been budgeted for the contract, which was to run over three months. But Gumede and one of her co-accused, former senior councillor Mondli Mthembu (as EXCO members) and former city manager Sipho Nzuza approved the extension of the contract and the cost overrun.
The contract value eventually ballooned to R320,995,973.33.
Gumede is alleged to have received direct electronic payments to her bank account and the bank account of her daughter. The ANC eThekwini region is alleged to have received a donation of R100,000 from three of Gumede’s co-accused.
ANC heavyweights in the eThekwini region arrived at the Durban High Court in a show of support for the former mayor who was elected regional chairperson at the recent elective conference.