Durban — Zandile Gumede and her co-accused are expected back in the Durban High Court next week after another delay on Monday.
The matter had been set down for a pretrial on Monday, however, counsel for accused 15, 16 and 17 withdrew on the basis there were no longer any funds for his services.
The 22 are charged with racketeering, fraud and corruption relating to a R320 million waste contract.
According to the State, the accused in this matter were an array of eThekwini municipal officials (current and past), ward councillors, business people and their companies.
The State alleges that eThekwini officials, including the city manager and ex-mayor, circumvented the supply chain management processes on a Durban Solid Waste tender, for the benefit of identified service providers for over R300 million.
They face charges of conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act, among others.
The South African Editor's Forum sought before the start of the court proceedings to set aside a letter by presiding officer Judge Sharmaine Balton barring cameras from court.
Daily News