AlgoaFM News
The Legal Aid attorney representing two of the accused in the fraud, corruption and money laundering case related to Nelson Mandela Bay's Integrated Public Transport System has withdrawn his services.
Attorney, Khaya Saziwa told the High Court on Monday that following consultations with two of the accused, Andrea Wessels and her son Rukaard Abrahams, he cannot continue representing them due to ethical reasons.
While Saziwa did not disclose any details, State prosecutor Willie Kingsley said this was regrettable but it appeared to be unavoidable.
The case was postponed to Tuesday for both of the accused to appoint new attorneys.
Wessels asked the court to appoint a Johannesburg-based attorney for her to properly prepare for the case.
The former businesswoman's request follows efforts by the court to get her to come to Gqeberha to face up to her multimillion-rand fraud accusation.
Last month, the court had to subpoena her GP to testify in court on her current medical condition after she failed to make an appearance for the start of her trial.
Further medical tests had to be ordered by High Court Judge Philip Zilwa which revealed that Wessels was indeed fit enough to travel from Johannesburg to Gqeberha so that she could be present in court.
Wessels and eight others, including former ANC regional secretary Zandisile Qupe, face 140 counts of corruption, fraud and money laundering related to the failed IPTS programme in Nelson Mandela Bay.
All of the accused are out on bail of R100 000 each.
