By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The fraud and money laundering case against former ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe and his six other co-accused has been postponed.
The accused appeared briefly before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
They are facing charges linked to the irregular tender for over 200 three-wheeler waste picker vehicles in 2017.
The state has alleged that Mabe, through his company Enviro Mobi, irregularly awarded an R27 million tender involving the Gauteng Agriculture Department and the Ekurhuleni Metro.
Mabe and six others, including his wife Mmatlheko, were arrested last year.
All of the accused have denied any wrongdoing.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Mabe and his wife had changed their legal representation and would now be defended by Advocate Zola Majavu, who previously represented former minister and ANC MP Zizi Kodwa.
The court was also informed that some of the accused’s legal representatives required more time to review the extensive docket before a pre-trial date could be set.
Additionally, the defence requested further particulars and additional disclosures related to the case.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that the docket had been handed over to the accused and described it as “quite voluminous”.
She also reiterated the state’s readiness to proceed with the trial.
“Like any other matter, when it’s brought before court, it has to pass the test of prospects of a successful prosecution. So indeed, we are confident as the NPA that there are prospects of a successful prosecution,” Mjonondwane said.
Mabe and his six co-accused were granted bail of R30 000 each last October and the case will return to court on 17 June as preparations for trial continue.