Algoa Fm
A ninth person has been arrested in connection with a R24m fraud and corruption matter that has landed Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal manager, Noxolo Nqwazi, in hot water.
Fifty-six-year-old Nompumezo Ngotsha appeared in the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Court on Monday where she was granted bail of R5 000.
Ngotsha and her eight co-accused, including ANC regional secretary, Luyolo Nqakula, face charges of fraud and corruption related to the alleged irregular awarding of a toilet tender meant for 2 000 poor households during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the State, Ngotsho influenced the awarding of the tender and R400 000 was traced to her business account.
State advocate Leigh-Ann Pillay- Selahle told the court that R300 000 was transferred to another account while R100 000 remained in her account.
Ngotsho asked the court to grant her R1 000 bail as she is unemployed but advocate Pillay-Selahle asked the court to consider R5 000 bail as she could afford a private attorney on short notice.
The State told the court that more arrests would be made later this week.
All the accused will be back in court again on the 5th of December.
Meanwhile, Nelson Mandela Bay City Manager, Noxolo Nqwazi appeared in the city's Commercial Crimes Court for the continuation of her application to have one of her bail conditions amended.
Nqwazi wants the court to allow her to attend mandatory Municipal meetings with some state witnesses who also work for the Metro.
She is currently on special leave.
Her lawyer, Alwyn Griebenow, says one of the bail conditions is affecting her livelihood as she cannot avoid interacting with people she works with.
The State has opposed the application and judgment in the matter will be on Wednesday.
