Lynn Williams
Nelson Mandela Bay's City Manager, Noxolo Nqwazi, appeared in the Gqeberha commercial crimes court on Monday, flanked by her co-accused that included politicians and business owners.
Nqwazi is charged alongside suspended Human Settlements head Mvuleni Mapu, ANC regional secretary Luyolo Nqakula, and former DA councillors Mbulelo Manyathi, Trevor Louw, and Neville Higgins.
The business owners are Xolani Masela and his wife, Nwabisa (Thuthiko Logistics), their daughter Nonpumezo Ngotsha in her capacity as the director of Thuthiko Logistics, and Morne van der Linde (HT Pelatona Projects (PTY) LTD).
The accused are charged with fraud, money laundering, corruption, and contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
It is alleged that Nqwazi and Mapu used the Covid-19 pandemic to enrich themselves and others by circumventing procurement processes to award a R24.6 million tender to HT Pelatona Projects to build 2,000 toilets in the Bay.
The state alleges that Nqwazi and Mapu falsely created the impression that quotations were obtained from two other suppliers before a decision was made to appoint Van Der Linde's company.
Mapu allegedly submitted the two quotations to the metro's Contract Manager after the decision to appoint Van Der Linde as the successful bidder.
Court documents state that R300,000 was allegedly paid to Nqakula’s account on April 28, 2020.
In turn, Nqakula allegedly paid R100,000 each into the accounts of Manyathi, Louw, and Higgins.
All of the accused pleaded not guilty on Monday, at the commencement of the trial which is set to run until Friday.
