Court rules eThekwini City Manager won’t be returning to work anytime soon

FOLLOWING his suspension, Sipho Nzuza, will not be returning to work as eThekwini Municipality’s City Manager. 

This decision was ruled by the Durban High Court earlier today when Nzuza appeared in connection with the R430 million Durban Solid Waste fraud and corruption charges.

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Nzuza, who was suspended by the municipality after he was arrested by the Hawks, was scheduled to return to work next month as his special leave ends in March.

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Speaking about the court ruling, Magistrate Garth Davis, said, after hearing the evidence of the applicant and the investigating officer and considering the papers and affidavits filed on record, the Notion of Motion for the applicant to return to work as a nearly fully functional City Manager has been dismissed. 

Magistrate Davis also outlined the following terms which Nzuza would need to adhere to.

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“The accused may not enter the premises at which those witnesses are employed by the municipality until the criminal trial is concluded. The accused shall not participate directly or indirectly in any or all Supply Chain Management processes, irrespective of the amount of tender award value. Lastly, the accused may not perform the functions of accounting officer of the municipality until the trial is concluded,” said Magistrate Davis.

Nzuza will make his next court appearance, along with Zandile Gumede, on June 14. 

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