The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is optimistic that it has a watertight case against politicians, former Buffalo City Metro officials and businessmen linked to dodgy deals related to the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela.
The trial was supposed to resume in the Bhisho High Court but has since been postponed to Tuesday due to power outages.
The accused include suspended African National Congress (ANC) Amatole Regional Chairperson, Phumlani Mkolo, former Buffalo City Speaker, Luleka Simon-Ndzele, Zukiswa Ncitha, former Deputy Mayor, Themba Tinta, Municipality’s former Supply Chain Manager, Thembelani Sali and former Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba.
They are charged with fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act. All the accused have pleaded not guilty.
NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali says they have a list of more than 30 witnesses.
“It will depend on the approach on who we use or who we may not use. We do not foresee any further delays but we have heard that one of the accused is making representations to the director of public prosecutions. That will be up to the court whether to grant that postponement to pursue such,” explains Tyali.
The video is reporting on previous court appearance:
