Zimbali properties seized in former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede’s corruption case
A preservation order was originally obtained in respect of the properties in November 2021, after the state proved reasonable grounds that they were bought using money from a tender.
Two properties in Zimbali worth R22-million have been seized by the state after being linked to alleged corruption by former eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede.
Gumede has appeared in the Durban High Court since early last year in relation to alleged fraudulent tender processes during her tenure.
She was charged, along with 21 co-accused, for involvement in a city waste tender that ballooned from R45-million to more than R320-million as a result of alleged kickbacks.
Gumede, who served as mayor of eThekwini from 2016-2019, plead not guilty.
As part of the case, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit obtained a forfeiture order for the two properties in Ebuhleni and on Mahogany Drive within the estate.
A preservation order was originally obtained in respect of the properties in November 2021, after the state proved reasonable grounds that they were bought using money from the tender.
Neither were owned by Gumede directly, rather a third party company linked to the contract.
Funds recovered from the properties will be transferred to the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.
The case continues in Durban and links a series of officials, councillors and companies to illegally obtained gains from the tender.
“The state alleges that eThekwini officials, including the city manager and ex-mayor, circumvented the Supply Chain Management processes, for a Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender, for the benefit of identified service providers for over R300-million,” said NPA spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.
“These officials profited from the deviation, and they face charges of conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering, and Contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act, among others.”
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