Three more ANC councillors to join graft-tainted Zandile Gumede in the dock

Three more ANC councillors from the eThekwini Municipality are set to join former mayor Zandile Gumede and her accused in the dock on fraud and corruption charges linked to the Durban Solid Waste tender.

The councillors – Mthokozisi Nojiyesa, Bhekokwakhe Welcome Phewa and Sduduzo Khuzwayo – appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday following their arrests by the National Clean Audit task team. They were all granted bail of R15 000 each.

“The accused who are councillors in the eThekwini Municipality, aged between 44 and 47 are part of the ongoing investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) into corruption related activities within the eThekwini Municipality in relation to the Durban Solid Waste tender,” said Hawks spokeswoman Katlego Mogale in a statement.

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The accused are expected to appear again in court on Tuesday where they will be joining the other accused.

The court previously heard that the proceeds of fraud and corruption were close to R389 million, R181 million more than the R208 million initially mentioned in the case.

Gumede, councillor Mondli Mthembu, and others are accused of colluding with corporate entities and others to circumvent the outcome of the supply chain management protocols of the municipality.

She is accused of using her political status to influence the appointment of senior eThekwini personnel responsible for supply chain management, as well as legal matters and human resources.

In October 2019, the Hawks and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority swooped in on the fraud, corruption and money laundering accused, seizing various homes and luxury cars.

Among the 10 properties the AFU and Hawks seized was the plush Prestondale residence of Gumede’s co-accused Hlenga Sibisi.

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