Algoa FM news
The fraud and money-laundering case against Eastern Cape Health MEC, Sindiswa Gomba and 14 other co-accused has been postponed in the East London Magistrate's Court.
The case relates to the alleged misappropriation of R6-million earmarked for costs associated with the funeral of late former President, Nelson Mandela.
They face 23 charges and alternative charges according to the draft charge sheet.
The accused include former Buffalo City mayor Zukiswa Ncitha, her former deputy Themba Tinta, Ondela Mahlangu, who was a senior BCM official at the time, ANC regional leader Pumlani Mkolo, Nosiphiwo Mati, Zintle Nkuhlu and her company Lilly Rose and Viwe Vazi and his company "Forty Wings".
The National Prosecuting Authority says it is the state’s case that Mkolo, Ncitha, Tinta and Gomba used their positions and influence to set in motion a scheme designed to defraud the municipality and to misappropriate municipal funds earmarked for the transportation of mourners to the various venues where memorial services were to be held.
The magistrate postponed the case to the 5th of March.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Mabuyane, said he notes the charges against the Health MEC, her appearance in court on Friday and the fact that she has been released on bail.
According to a statement, the Premier considers the matter to be "very serious" and that "the Premier will look into this matter and he will communicate his decision to the people of the province
soon."
"It is worth noting that when Premier appointed Ms Gomba into this position, she was not facing any charges because the NPA provisionally withdrew charges against her," the statement said.
