By Zuko Komisa
The Durban High Court commenced the fraud and corruption trial of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede.
Gumede and her 21 co-accused, who include a number of former and current municipal officials, are charged with violating procurement laws in order to win a garbage management contract that cost the city an astounding R320 million.
The indictment lists Gumede as a key figure in the case, with the tender being awarded while she was Mayor.
Nearly 3,000 charges, including racketeering, are brought against them.
Former and current municipal officials and numerous commercial entities are all charged in the case.
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The former municipal manager of eThekwini, Sipho Nzuza, is another well-known defendant.
It was discovered during pre-trial procedures that several of the defendants did not have the money to pay their attorneys since their accounts were frozen as a result of an Asset Forfeiture Unit court application.
Her supporters and other high-profile politicians have made their way to The Durban High Court to offer their support.
This is the situation outside the Durban High Court.
— Thabiso Goba (@ThabisoGoba2) July 18, 2022
Zandile Gumede supporters, clad in ANC t-shirts, have turned up to show support for the ANC eThekwini regional chairperson.@WitnessKZN pic.twitter.com/7noysFaKBK
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