NEWCASTLE KZN: Mayor’s attorney shocked by ‘damaging’ national headlines
"The prosecution has my details so if there was anything new, they would surely have mentioned it."
Legal representative for Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba in the ‘fibre feud’ case, Ravindra Maniklall is surprised by claims from some media publications that his client may face additional charges in the matter.
A national publication alleged that charges of ‘defeating the ends of justice’ were being investigated, after claims that a victim was being pressured to withdraw charges against the Mayor of Newcastle. Maniklall used the term ‘salacious material’ and said the alleged additional charges had not been brought up during Monday’s court date, nor mentioned to him by any member of the prosecution.
He believes political pressure may be involved in the ‘damaging’ report and counter-alleged that some were using the media house to upset the proverbial motions.
“The prosecution has my details so if there was anything new, they would surely have mentioned it,” added Maniklall. “We were all in court and this was not said… I have a copy of the docket and [the additional charges] are not in there.”
Dr Mahlaba appeared in court this week alongside co-accused, Njabulo Mabaso and Sgananda Shezi, on a number of charges relating to the alleged attack on labourers laying down cable for Mishbe in September last year. The Mayor has stated his innocence and his belief that charges against him will be dropped.
The case resumes on August 25 in the Newcastle Regional Court.
For the full report on court proceedings, read this week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser.
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