Staff Reporter.
The Hawks are on the hunt for Phadima Fukula on charges of perjury after he was accused of making false corruption allegations against chief justice Raymond Zondo and Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane.
Fukula alleged that Mabuyane had paid Zondo — then deputy chief justice — a R5m bribe.
When investigators interviewed Fukula, he admitted certain individuals used him to make false allegations against Zondo and Mabuyane, the Hawks previously said.
The Hawks confirmed that a case of perjury was opened after conflicting versions of Fukula’s cases were picked up, while a case of crimen injuria was opened by the premier against the suspect.
The accused was arrested last year but was released from custody until a decision regarding the case was made by the National Prosecuting Authority.
NPA spokersperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed the Director of Public Prosecutions had finally decided to prosecute Fukula.
On Tuesday the Hawks announced Fukula was wanted by the court, but they were unable to find him.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said a summons had been issued against Fukula to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on 29 August.
Fukula could not be traced at all his known addresses. Therefore, an appeal is made to anyone who might know his whereabouts to kindly contact Lieutenant Colonel Mtyobile on 071 481 2421. Commendable efforts have been made to trace him but to no avail. Any information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.