Two ANC officials appeared before the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing bribery charges. It is alleged that Zakhele Buthelezi and Maria Mabaso tried to bribe DA Councillor Magda Viktor in 2018 with a sum of R40,000 at Vryheid Junction to vote with the ANC against Speaker Michael Khumalo or to remain absent from the meeting. It is said that they later decreased the money offered to her to R20,000, but promised that she would be taken care of.
Last year, the ANC officials appeared before the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court and the case was struck off the roll. On Monday, the case was postponed to July 7. It was postponed due to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) failing to submit statements to the defence teams.
A media release by DA KZN leader Francois Rodgers stated that: “For justice to be served, the NPA must get its house in order; this case was once before dropped because of prosecution incompetence. Simply, justice delayed is justice denied. In a country currently riddled with corruption under the ANC, it is imperative that public representatives who are found guilty of bribery and corruption be brought to book. The DA will continue to closely monitor the case against the two ANC councillors to ensure that justice and accountability unfolds. We are going to continue attending this court case to make sure that those who are caught red-handed trying to commit fraud face justice.”
The Vryheid Herald attempted to get a statement from the ANC, but at the time of going to print, nothing had been received. ALSO READ:Democratic Alliance step up election campaign Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates