The application for the presiding judge in the Mandela fraud scandal has been refused in the Bisho High Court in the Eastern Cape.
Judge Igna Stretch said the application was a rushed decision and not supported by facts.
The application was on behalf of accused No.: 1, Phumlani Mkolo, who is the former ANC Regional Chairperson of the Dr WB Rubusana region.
It was made after his legal representatives were of the view that the judge had a pre-conceived judgement on the matter and also has a level of biasness.
Among the accused in the case is former Buffalo City Speaker Luleka Simon-Ndzele, former Mayor Zukiswa Ncitha, and former Deputy Mayor Themba Tinta, former Eastern Cape Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba and the Municipality’s former Supply Chain Manager, Thembelani Sali.
They are charged with fraud, money laundering and the contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act relating to the memorial services of former president Nelson Mandela.
VIDEO: Mandela fraud scandal accused seek recusal of Judge Igna Stretch from the case
