Trial against Nkandla architect resumes on Friday

The trial against former President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla architect Minenhle Makhanya is expected to resume at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday.

The case is being heard behind closed doors due to security reasons.

The case follows former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s March 2014 report on the upgrades at Zuma’s Nkandla homestead.

The “Secure in Comfort” report found that Zuma and his family had unduly benefitted from the R246 million spent on non-security features at Nkandla such as the swimming pool, kraal, chicken run and visitors’ centre.

A civil claim was instituted against Makhanya after the upgrades were found to be excessive.

The Special Investigating Unit’s Special Tribunal spokesperson, Selby Makgotho, says there are a number of claims that are being pursued.

“There are about six claims that are being pursued to the amount of R155 million because as the contract started the budget amount was R27,8 million but when it ended in December 2013 it was R216 million, so the evidence that is being led  talks about R155 million which is alleged to have not been budgeted for.”

VIDEO: In 2015, media was granted access to Nkandla security upgrades:

In 2014, Madonsela announced her findings on the over R200-million worth of security upgrades to Zuma’s private residence in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal: