The Nelson Mandela funeral fraud trial against politicians, former Buffalo City Metro officials and businessmen has been postponed to tomorrow, April 22.
This comes after another
accused in the matter applied for a postponement to afford her time to make
representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The accused
persons in the Nelson Mandela funeral fraud trial are charged with fraud, money
laundering and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act
(MFMA). The accused include suspended ANC Amatole Regional Chairperson, Phumlani Mkolo, 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.
According to Spokesperson for National Prosecuting Authority
(NPA), Luxolo Tyali, Ncitha made the application after the court was informed
that representations made by Dr W.B. Rhubusa, Chairperson Phumlani Mkolo and
two other accused were unsuccessful.
“These representations were submitted to
the DPP on the eve of the commencement of the trial on April 11, 2022. The
trial was scheduled to proceed for the whole term until June 10, 2022.
“Judge
Igna Stretch had adjourned the matter, to make an order on the request for a
postponement that State Adv. Ulrike de Klerk vehemently argued in opposition to
the application,” said Tyali.
He added that Mkolo’s new attorney told the court
he had further instruction for the judge to recuse herself, and an application
to review the DPP’s decisions to reinstate charges against him and refusing to
stop his prosecution as per his representations.
Tyali added that early yesterday one of the accused, Nosiphiwe Mati, informed the court she had
terminated the service of the attorney on record, but she refused to provide
reasons for her decision to the court. Tyali confirmed that all the accused
have pleaded not guilty and the prosecution is ready to proceed with the trial.
